Maxine Bell

Maxine Bell

October 26, 1926 — January 10, 2018

Della Maxine Carter Bell, 91, of Marble Falls, Texas, died peacefully Jan. 10, 2018. Maxine was born Oct, 26, 1926, to Raymond A. “Nick” and Della (Vaden) Carter in Big Lake, Texas, at home. She married James Tavener Bell on January 15, 1945, in Gordon, Texas. She graduated from high school in Gordon, Texas where she was valedictorian of a small class.

She retired from the Postal Service in 1981 after 32 ½ years of service. She was the Postmaster in Llano, Texas, for the last six years before retiring.

Most of her married life she and “Tav” (as known by his family and as James by his Marble Falls friends) lived in Odessa, Texas, where they raised their two daughters. They moved to the Hill Country in late 1975.

Maxine’s family in Gordon were all very dear to her. She had 12 aunts and uncles on her mother’s side and the gatherings there were precious and many. That provided a great backdrop for the upbringing of her own family. She was a wonderful seamstress, and spent many evenings after a full day of work sewing for her daughters. She made a few garments after just seeing them in the store. She was a true example of a selfless, loving, generous, Christian mother who always put her family’s needs ahead of her own.

She and Tav had two daughters, Linda Carol Bell Underwood of Arlington, Texas, and Paula Elaine Bell Burns of Marble Falls, Texas. She would also claim Keith Burns as her favorite son-in-law, no matter that he was her only one!

She was preceded in death by Tav in 2009 after 64 ½ years of marriage; her first, precious grandson Lance Wayne Underwood; sisters Lucille Case and Mallie Nichols; and brother J.D. Carter.

Besides Linda, Paula and Keith, she is survived by grandsons Casey and wife Hannah Burns, Kevin and wife Meg Burns; and great-grandchildren Amanda, Jacob and Steven Underwood, Sophia, Gabriella, Caleb and Samuel Burns, and Everest Burns, as well as other relatives.

A memorial service is planned for Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1101 Bluebonnet Drive, Marble Falls. A graveside service will be held later in Gordon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Methodist Women at First United Methodist Church, Marble Falls, or the church memorial fund or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the exceptional hospice care provided by Stephanie and Lori.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clements Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 US Highway 281, Marble Falls.