Maxine Burns Powell, of Tampa, Florida, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on January 22, 2026.
She was surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and quiet strength.
Born on January 19, 1933 in Sparta, Illinois, to Miller Burns and Nola McCulley Robbins Burns. A 1951 graduate of Sparta High School, Maxine married the love of her life, John Mark Powell, son of Hudson M. and Bonnie Amelia Powell, of Mangum, Oklahoma, on December 23, 1956, and they enjoyed fifty-eight wonderful years together before his passing in 2015.
Maxine lived a full and meaningful life marked by devotion to her family and an unwavering sense of grace. She was known for her gentle spirit and her love of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida State Seminoles.
A devoted mother, she took immense pride in her family and found her greatest joy in time spent with those she loved. Her guidance, warmth, and steady presence shaped generations, and her stories as well as her values will live on through
them.
In her later years, Maxine faced dementia with remarkable courage and dignity. While the disease slowly took memories, it never diminished the love she gave or the love she inspired. Her family is grateful for the years they shared and the moments of connection that remained meaningful until the end.
Preceded in death by her parents, brothers Prentice Burns and James Burns, sisters Cecilia Robbins Ross and Thelma Burns Campbell, daughter, Martha Ann Powell, her beloved husband, John Mark Powell, and son James Matthew Powell. She is survived by one son, John Mark Powell, Jr. ( Jane Pannwitz ), granddaughter Lyndsay Ann Powell, bonus granddaughter Kristin Marie Hooper, and grandsons Joshua Miller Powell, Jackson Miles Powell (Victoria), Jarrett Michael Powell; and brother Sherwood Burns along with many other relatives and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers, medical, and hospice professionals who provided compassionate care and comfort.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A public chapel service will be Saturday, January 31st under the direction of Greer Funeral Home in Mangum, Oklahoma at 2 PM, burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery also in Mangum, Oklahoma.
Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Friday, January 30th at Greer Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, or your local Hospice, in her name.
Online tributes may be made to the family at
www.greerfuneral.com
To send flowers in memory of Maxine Burns Powell, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
30
Jan
235 South Pennsylvania
Mangum, OK 73554
Funeral
31
Jan
235 South Pennsylvania
Mangum, OK 73554
Interment
31
Jan
115 south Penn
Mangum, OK 73554
