Rachel Maxine Akin Mayes was born May 1st, 1939 in Pulaski Community, New Boston, Texas to George and Ilah Fowler Akin. Her homecoming took place December 12th, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her family.
Married 69 years to her soulmate, Charles, she was a model wife. From meeting one another on the steps of Highway School in 1947 until present time, her devotion to him never faltered.
Together, they blazed a trail and set the standard high for their family to follow.
She was a lifetime member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the American Legion – Post 488, and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the VFW – Post 4562.
Maxine spent her life on the farm raising animals, vegetables, and most importantly – her family. While tending to her cattle, chickens, ducks, cats, and dogs brought her joy, it was the health and laughter of each child and grandchild that gave her purpose. Frequent visits, phone calls daily, and handwritten letters were affectionate ways in which she relayed her love. She was always quick to encourage, bold in telling the truth, and ready to enforce that “the tough keep goin.”
She is now reunited with those gone before her including her parents, George and Ilah (Fowler) Akin, her beloved son Shepard Mayes, and her granddaughter Chassidy Jade. She is survived by her husband – Charles F. Mayes Sr.; sister – Beatrice Burns; son – Charles Mayes Jr.; daughter and son-in-law – Anna and JR Tefteller; daughter-in-law – Rebecca Mayes; grandson – TJ and Anita Badgett; granddaughters – Kimberly Mayes and Tristen & Zach Burks; great grandchildren – Ty Badgett, Aubrie Badgett, Hayden Yoshida, Kooper Hilton, Kipton Burks, Kyle Burks, Dustin and Rynee Maroney, and Jacob and Alyssa Maroney.
Funeral service will take place 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 14th in the Bates-Rolf Funeral Home chapel in New Boston. Visitation will be from 1-2 prior to service with burial to follow at Pulaski Cemetery in New Boston.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pulaski Cemetery at Cadence Bank in New Boston.
Online memorials may be made at www.batesrolffuneralhome. com
