Donna Faye Maxwell

She and her siblings began going to church with their Grandpa Brown, beginning a life of devotion to

God. Because of her father’s job, they moved to Sommerset, Texas for 3 years. After returning to the

Brownsville area, she and her brother Joseph graduated together from El Jardin High School at age 15 in

1948. After graduating she went to cosmetology school in Harlingen, Texas. She soon passed state board

for cosmetology and began the work she loved as a hairdresser. She and her family moved to Galena

Park where she worked for several years at Pearl’s Beauty Shop.

She married Charlie Maxwell on February 14, 1957. Together they had a daughter and twin sons. Donna

took classes to learn how to keep books for Charlie’s growing companies. Dancing was one of her

favorite activities whether it was ballroom or square dancing. Sadly, she and Charlie divorced after 12

years of marriage, and she began supporting her three kids as a bookkeeper. She was able to continue

her love of hairdressing by fixing hair for her sisters, nieces and friends.

She retired from Maintenance Engineering Company in Houston, where she had made lifelong

friendships with Nadine, Billie, and Rebecca. After retirement, Donna enjoyed volunteering her time

with Meals-on-Wheels, fixing hair and nails for nursing home residents, being secretary/treasurer for

her square dance club, and tutoring kids in reading. She began living with her children in 2002 helping

wherever she could. Because of her love for God, she read her entire Bible through each year for the last

30 years of her life.

In Palestine, Texas, Donna was promoted to her heavenly home on February 19, 2022. She was

preceded in death by her parents Jose and Verna Vidal and brother Joseph Vidal. She is survived by her

sisters: Ethel Smith, Mona Y’Barbo, Cathy Cooper, and cousin Jackie Ruffino. In addition, she is survived

by her daughter and son-in-law – Linda and Darrell Dudley, by son and daughter-in-law – Terrel and

Brenda Maxwell, and by son and daughter-in-law – Jerrel and Leslie Maxwell. Also, by 19 grandchildren

and spouses, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pasadenafuneralchapel.com for the Maxwell family.