Maxine I. Jefferson

Maxine I. Jefferson passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2017. She was born August 3, 1917 and was a lifelong resident of Des Moines. She graduated with the class of 1935 from East High School and remained actively involved in alumni events. She married Donald L. Jefferson in January 1936 and remained married to him until his death, December 13, 1978. Maxine is survived by her son, Joe Jefferson and daughter-in-law, Sharon Jefferson; grandchildren, Jeanne Ezzone (Harold), Kirk Jefferson (Mary Ann), and Jill Helmers (Bob); four great-grandchildren, Aaron Hiltbrunner, Cecilia Jefferson, Anna Helmers, and Grace Helmers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George McGlothlen and Nancy Shannon; stepfather, Charles Shannon; siblings, Gerald McGlothlen, Helen Quinn, Charles Shannon, Fred Shannon; and great-grandson, Jeremy Hiltbrunner.

Maxine was very active in the National TTT Society, raising money for young under-privileged girls to go to camp. She also bowled and was a member of the Des Moines Bowling Association. She golfed until she was 92, starting at Woodside and ending at Willow Creek. She often worked the senior PGA tournament in Hawaii and met many of the great golfers, including the late Arnold Palmer. Other lifetime activities included being a member of the Des Moines Women’s Club, a member of the Des Moines Garden Club, and a daily mall walker at Merle Hay Mall for many years. Many of her acquaintances and neighbors became treasured lifelong friends.

Maxine had an incredible gift for listening. People she hardly knew would confide their deepest secrets to her and seek her advice. She was a keeper of everyone’s stories and loved to reminisce. Her husband was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener. She supported him in all his endeavors and spent many hours by his side fishing, cleaning and preparing game, and harvesting the garden. She hosted many wonderful family dinners, serving garden produce and homemade pies.

Thank you to all who helped us commemorate her 100th birthday, either in person or by sending your well wishes in a card. She received over 100 birthday cards and was so delighted to celebrate her big day.

Funeral services will be graveside at Glendale Cemetery (4909 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311) at 11:00 am on Friday, August 18. Additional details can be found at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Iowa or the charity of your choice in her honor.

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