Mary Whidden

On June 29, 2023, Mary "Maxine" Whidden, known as Ma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, peacefully passed away. She was born September 7, 1942 in Meridian, MS. She was eighty years old.

First and foremost, she was a faithful Christian as a member of Jones Chapel Church of Christ and taught children's Bible class for many years. She especially enjoyed sharing the word of God with her grandchildren Callie Duffle (Doug), Cassie Pugh (Brad), Nancy Whidden, Amanda Whidden, Melissa Tinsley (Billy), and David Whidden.

Maxine married Jim Whidden on July 5, 1960 in Haines City, FL at the home of Maxine's parents Earl and Mary Morris. Before marrying, Jim joined the U.S. Army and shortly thereafter they began their adventures and travels across America and Europe. They welcomed their first child Frank J. Whidden Jr. (Teresa) on June 22, 1961 and then exactly two years later on June 22, 1963, their daughter Laurie Terrell (Rick) was born.

In the late eighties, Maxine became co-owner of Whidden's Income Tax with Jim, and the two enjoyed preparing tax returns side by side over the next 30 years until her retirement in 2016.

Outside of work, she was known for tending to her home and garden, cooking, traveling (especially to Disney World), watching the Atlanta Braves, Alabama football, and old westerns.

One of her greatest joys in her later years were seeing pictures and spending time with her great grandchildren: Everley, Sawyer, and Sadie Duffle, and, Michael, Savannah, and Makayla Tinsley.

On behalf of all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, you'll be in our hearts and minds forever, but especially whenever we enjoy your chocolate sheet cake, half with pecans and half without. We know that you loved us and we love you too, Ma.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Magnolia Lawn Cemetery in Grove Hill. Frank J. Whidden Jr. officiating and Lathan Funeral Home directing. Online condolences may be shared at www.lathanfuneralhome.com