Lina Mae Maddox

This is in loving memory of Lina Mae Wade Maddox born December 13, 1923 to Lula Mae and Thomas Wallace Wade in Smith County, Mississippi. She quietly departed this life on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2017 at Oxford Glen Senior care Residence in Grand Prairie, Texas at the age of 93.

Lina Mae graduated from Magee High School in 1940 at the early age of 16 because of her advanced knowledge and determination to begin school at 4 1/2 years old vs. the required age of 6 to begin school.

Lina Mae was united in matrimony to William Patrick (Pat) Maddox, Sr. on December 18, 1941 at the age of 18. After they relocated Dallas, Texas she was employed at North American Aviation where she would shoot rivets into the wingspans of the North American P-51 Mustang Fighter Airplanes used in World War II. This is when she and other coworkers became known as “A ROSIE THE RIVETER”. Years later this made it possible for her to be invited to California to visit and be recognized by a group of the Rosie Riveter members at the Museum on April 28, 2016.

On January 24, 1946 Lina Mae started her 43 year career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a telephone operator. From that position she moved up the ladder eventually securing the positions of a frameman, switchman, deskman, and many years later the position she retired with, 2nd level manager. With SWBT she became a member of their community volunteer organization “The Pioneers”. She was a member for 70 plus years.

Beginning from 1947 to 1954 Lina Mae and Pat were blessed with 6 children, one (son) being unofficially adopted into the Maddox family. Pat preceded her in death on September 5, 1985.

Lina Mae received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Dallas Baptist University as well as several other scholastic degrees and awards. One of her most proud accomplishments of her life was her autobiography “The Results of Determination and Application”, which was printed and distributed for viewing June 5, 2016 at her book signing celebration.

She was a member of Oak Cliff United Methodist Church for 63 years, 1951 to 2014. She then became a member of Highpoint Baptist Church for the last two years of her life. She was a Camp Fire Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother. Her influence and extreme generosity will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.

Lina Mae was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years; her parents; her sister, Winnie Wren; brothers, Ovie Wade, B.L. Wade, Cecil L. Wade, Orland D. Wade and great grandson Silas Asher Maddox.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her children: daughter Kassa Willingham (John Stephenson); sons Bill Maddox (Barbara), Burt Maddox (Suzanne), Joe Maddox (Carla), Steve Maddox (Elaine), and Walter Hinz (Ann). She is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren and sisters; Nonnie Jones, Flora Biggs, brother; Lee Wade, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Burt Maddox, Jr., Chris Maddox, Jason Hinz, Nicholas Willingham, Ruben Romero and Stuart Maddox.

Visitation and services will be at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6000 South R.L. Thornton Freeway. Visitation is January 6th, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services are January 7th, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Laurel Land Cemetery. Dr. Toby Snowden is officiating.

The family would like to give special thanks to Lina Mae's doctors, and especially to the caretakers at Oxford Glen who were very nurturing, attentive and caring towards our loved one.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Dallas Baptist University, Southwestern Bell Pioneers, or the Charity of your choice.