Margie Ann Marcum Maness, 83, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on August 8, 2026.

Margie was born on December 11, 1942, in El Paso, Texas. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Margie lived her life with a quiet strength, a caring heart, and an unwavering devotion to her family and those around her.

Margie loved only one man throughout her life, her husband, Virgil Steven Maness. After his passing, she spent the next 53 years as the devoted matriarch of her family. She carried that responsibility with remarkable strength and grace, building a life centered around her children, grandchildren, and the family she loved so deeply.

Determined to provide for her family and build a meaningful career, Margie put herself through nursing school while working full-time at a nursing home. She went on to spend more than 20 years as a labor and delivery nurse, helping welcome countless babies into the world. She later transitioned into infection control, where she worked for nearly another decade before retiring in her early 70s.

Margie's impact as a nurse reached far beyond the walls of the hospitals where she worked. She became well known throughout the Lufkin and Diboll communities, and it was rare for her to go out without someone approaching her with a child she had helped deliver. She was affectionately known as a "baby whisperer," with a natural ability to comfort little ones and a warmth that drew children to her.

Even while working demanding 12-hour nursing shifts, Margie always found a way to be there for her children. Whether their games were in town or miles away, she made every effort to show up and support them. Her family always came first, no matter how busy or tired she may have been.

Margie also had a lifelong love for horses and found great joy in being around them. But above all else, she found her greatest purpose in caring for others. She consistently placed the needs of those around her before her own and rarely had an unkind word to say about anyone. Even in difficult moments, Margie's strength showed through. What most people would have called "pain," she simply called "uncomfortable."

She was the kind of daughter, sister, parent, grandmother, and friend that everyone should hope to be. Her kindness was genuine, her strength was steady, and her love for her family was without condition. The example she leaves behind will continue through the many lives she touched, both within her family and throughout the communities she served.

Margie was a resident of Dayton for more than 20 years and previously resided in Diboll, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Steven Maness; her son, Steven Lee Maness; her sisters, Peggy Collins and Juanita Speirs; and her brothers, Tommy Collins and Billy Collins.

Margie is survived by her son, Jonathan Maness and wife Pam; her sister, Carolyn Centoben; and her grandchildren, Jessica Stokes, Charity Thompson and husband Keith, Robert Carleton and wife Tabitha, Kaleb Maness and wife Bianca, Cheyanne Carroll and husband Tommy, Raven Maness and wife Ashley, Amber Wideman, Zachary Maness, Karlyn Maness, and Jordan Maness and husband Josh Katzer; as well as 23 great-grandchildren and numerous other family members and friends whose lives were made better by knowing her.

A memorial service honoring Margie's life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas.