Maxine "Fanny" Young was born on May 1, 1925 in Friday, Texas., to Horace Grady Ainsworth and Bettie Mae Ainsworth. She passed away peacefully at home on August 14, 2026 in Nederland, Texas, at the age of 101.
Maxine graduated from Groveton High School in 1941. She went on to complete a business course in Tyler, Texas, and then moved to Galveston, Texas, where she was employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She became a resident of Port Arthur, Texas in 1944. She began her career as a legal secretary with the law firm of Baker and Vaughan, and thereafter joined Earl and James Black at the law firm of Black and Black, where she worked until her retirement after 47 years of service. During her career, she served as State Publicity Chairman for the Texas Association of Legal Secretaries and was a prominent member of the organization's Port Arthur Chapter.
Maxine was a member of the Temple Church in Port Arthur, Texas where she volunteered in the church office. She also volunteered at the United Board of Missions and she really enjoyed spending her time delivering Meals on Wheels. Her favorite quote was, "It never hurts to be kind," and she lived that out every day of her life with family, friends, and strangers alike. She always saw the good in people she met and was known for being uplifting and supportive to everyone around her. She was a selfless person who always put others first. She cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she loved traveling and spending time with her girlfriends. She also held a special place in her heart for her dog of 14 years, Shelby; and her cat, Nina.
Maxine was a true believer in Jesus Christ's saving grace. As she often reminded those around her, when all the dust is settled and all the crowds are gone, the things that matter are faith, family, and friends.
She is survived by her sons, Mike Young and Pat Young and his wife, Sharron; her sister, Mary Anne Williams; her grandchildren, Peter Young and companion, Tammy, Daniel Young and his wife, Courtney, David Young and his wife, Lindsay, and Sarah Young; her ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Bettie Mae Ainsworth; her brother, James Ainsworth; and her daughter-in-law, Becky Young.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H. Nederland, Texas., on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 4:00pm. to 6:00pm with the funeral service to begin at 6:00pm. The graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
