Maxine Williams

Our beloved mother, Maxine Williams, died on Thursday, February 8, 2024, after a long and full life. She was 84 years old. She was much loved and will be terribly missed.

Maxine was born in Brownsville, TX to Edith and John Shrum. She was one of 7 children who eventually moved to northern California, ultimately landing in Ophir, CA. She met the love of her life, Wayne Williams at the age of 13 and they married in 1956 after attending Placer High School. They eventually built their life in Auburn, raising 4 kids, Trish, Cindy, Bobby, and Kevin.

Ask any of her friends and family and they will tell you she gave the best hugs! Always so cheerful and never allowed the burden of life to sway her cheerful disposition. The secret? She liked to “go for a drive” with her sisters and their husbands. As the younger generations eventually learned, “go for a drive” was code for “let’s go to the casinos!” Ha! In addition to gambling, she was a keen card player. Kings on The Corner and 31 were some of her favorites. She made a point to teach all the grandkids to be expert card shufflers. She enjoyed bowling and wowed us all with her jump rope skills. Her happy place was to sit in her chair and enjoy just a touch of goodness, either Haagen-Dazs ice cream or a Queen Anne’s cordial cherry.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Williams, and two of her children, Cindy Hicks and Bobby Williams. She is survived by her sister, Kay Tipton, her two children – Trish Adams, and Kevin Williams (Karin), son-in-law, Ron Hicks, and daughter-in-law; Gail Williams as well as 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Everyone has a story to share about Maxine, Max, Mack, Mom, Granny, or Gran. We would love to hear yours. A short graveside ceremony will be held on Saturday, Feb 17, 2024, at 9:00 am at New Auburn Cemetery (1040 Collins Dr., Auburn). Mom always made it a habit to arrive early for all happenings. This one included. A celebration will follow at the Lakeside Room at Auburn Regional Park at 10:30 am. (3770 Richardson Dr., Auburn)

A graveside service for Maxine Williams will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM at New Auburn Cemetery, 1040 Collins Drive, Auburn, California 95603.