Virginia Maxcine (Maxine) Stubbs

Virginia Maxcine Griffin Stubbs, “Maxine,” of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully at home May 2, 2024. She had battled health issues since August, 2023 when she had heart stents put in.  In her final years she resided with her daughter’s family in Abilene for over a decade.

Maxine was born to Edgar and Selma Griffin on August 7, 1934 in Stephenville, TX.  She was delivered by Dr. Malloy at home, who was paid for the delivery with home canned goods. She lived in Stephenville, TX until she was about 13, when her family moved to the League Ranch in Benjamin, TX. Her family were one of about 20 who helped work the ranch, either working for the ranch directly or leasing portions of the land. Maxine is probably the only person you would ever meet who said they actually loved picking cotton. When asked why she loved picking cotton she said “I loved being outside with my whole family all day. We’d have lunch together every day, and I just loved it.”  She saw the world change greatly in her lifetime.  She could remember when her family used a horse drawn wagon for transportation, and when they got their first automobile. She couldn’t believe that cars now have computers in them.

Maxine married Verne Maurice Stubbs, whom she had met through family friends, on July 17, 1954 when she was just eighteen years old.  They were married 58 years. She worked in agriculture and on the family farm for many years, but was a homemaker and mother for most of her life.  She and Verne moved often following his jobs in the southwestern US, that took them from Texas to New Mexico, Kansas, Wyoming, and Colorado. Maxine especially loved living in Colorado and being able to go up into the mountains.  Later in life, Verne and Maxine worked for Bill Casey’s dried flower business of Novice, TX which later progressed into a business of their own making specialty and custom items for some of the most prestigious florists in Texas.  Their grapevine baskets were very beautiful, as were their wonderful custom display items.  This also started their long connection to the Novice, TX community, which they loved and resided in during their last years together.

Maxine considered raising her children to be successful and productive adults to be her most important role in life. She was an incredible country cook, especially known for her most amazing pies and cobblers.  She was a very creative person and enjoyed sewing, quilting, and gardening.  She had an appreciation for all things beautiful, and a penchant for dishes, antiques, and fashion. She loved beautiful clothes. She loved eating out, especially small country diners such as the Lawn Café or Hatahoe in Anson. She did not always have an easy life, but was a survivor and always pulled through by hard work and determination. She was a very generous person who would give her last nickel to someone in need. She passed many of these traits on to her children.

Maxine is survived by son Tim Stubbs and wife Debbie of Clifton, TX, son Terry Stubbs of Abilene, TX, daughter Pebbles Lee and husband Thomas Lee Jr, PhD of Abilene, TX, brother Coyle Griffin and wife Bonnie of Dublin, TX, and sister-in-law Romaine Stubbs of Knox City and Corsicana, TX, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Maxine is preceded in death by her husband, Verne Stubbs, her parents, four sisters (Lois Marie, Fanny Ann, Patsy, Shirley) and three brothers (William, Harold, Roy Ed).

Maxine was a member of the Church of Christ.  She will be cremated per her wishes, and her ashes will be interred at a private graveside service at the Knox City Cemetery, Knox City, TX at a later date, yet to be determined.

The family wishes to thank Kinder Hearts Home Health and Hospice Care (especially Jordan, Drew and Stephen) and anyone else who contributed to her care.