Vivian Maxine McDaniel, age 96, of Shepherd, Texas, went home to Jesus on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. She was born March 11, 1930 in Houston, Texas (Harris County) to parents William Lovett and Mary Dorothy Hines Lovett, who preceded her in death, along with her loving husband of 72 years, James Aubrey McDaniel, her step-mother, Gracie Elizabeth Welsh Love Lovett, her brothers, William Pearce Lovett, John Robert Lovett, and William Arthur Love; and great-granddaughter, Kyleigh Michelle Pittman.

Survivors include her daughters, Linda Susan Dornburg and husband Billy, and Mary Ann Pittman and husband Doug; grandchildren, Jennifer Anne Williamson and husband Brian, Jason Aubrey Pittman and wife Katherine, and Jeffrey Wayne Pittman and wife Adrian; great-grandchildren, Cole Williamson, Madeleine Pittman, Luke Pittman, Carter Pittman, Dominick Calderon, Tiana Calderon, and Brycen Calderon; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Maxine’s mother, Mary, died when she was 6. Her father, William, later married Gracie and moved the family to Highlands, Texas. At the age of 9 (1939), Maxine gave her life to Jesus Christ and was baptized in Big Creek Swimming Hole on FM 222, behind the Hawthorne's. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Shepherd, for most of her life. When Maxine was about 14, she moved back to Shepherd, to live with her Grandma, Martha Caroline Hayman Lovett, and Granddaddy, Paul Bremon Lovett.

Maxine graduated from Shepherd High School on May 16, 1947. Her class motto was “never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today” (in her words, “if you’re going to do it, do it right, or don’t do it at all”). This motto she lived by, likely led her high school classmates to vote her President of Sr. Class and Most Likely to Succeed. She also held positions of Pep Squad Drummer, Yearbook Assistant Editor, and Senior Play Actress during her high school years.

Maxine married Aubrey, her high school sweetheart, on May 29, 1948, in Highlands, Texas, officiated by Brother Vernon Kuester. Opal Beverly, her first cousin, and Bill and Gracie Lovett, her parents, were in attendance.

She stayed home to raise Linda and Mary Ann. Once both girls were in school, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Houston on December 22, 1971. During her 23-year career as an educator, she completed a Master of Education from Sam Houston State University (December 15, 1979). Mother told stories about some of her students, mostly boys. She was fond of each of them. She remembered the very good boys, but of course, she remembered her challenging boys the most. There were many girls, too; however, she didn’t tell as many stories about them because she was accustomed to “girl” drama.

Maxine had no tolerance for gum under the desk tops, so one year her students got to clean the gum off the underside of their desks. Another year, she made it her goal to write, and mail, each student a handwritten note about something they did very well. After her years in the classroom, Maxine served as Curriculum Coordinator, working closely with Sandy Irwin, whom she loved dearly.

Some of Maxine’s favorite interests were quilting, sewing, gardening, and reading books of all kinds, with Robert Frost being her favorite poet.

For the last 24 months of her life, Maxine was cared for by Gentiva Hospice, Livingston, Texas. Her loving, caregivers, whom she grew very fond of, became like family to her and her daughters. They are Kay Greene, Emma Haag, Ayanna Haro, Silvia Haro, Melissa Luther, Mary Montgomery, Peggy Thomas, and Tena White. She was able to live out her life just the way she wanted – in her home. Linda, Mary Ann, and family owe a debt of gratitude and love to these wonderful women and Gentiva Hospice.

Visitation will be 11:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 10850 TX-150, Shepherd, Texas, 77371, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Lovett Cemetery on FM 2666, officiated by Pastor Chester Holloway, who loved her dearly.

Should you wish to do something in honor of Maxine, the family requests donations to First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 187, Shepherd, Texas 77371, or a foundation of your choice.