Maxie Burkes Wiltz

Maxie Marsh Burkes Wiltz was born May 30,1929 to the late Daniel Marsh and Addie Hamilton Marsh in Romayor, Texas. She was one of ten children, the middle child number 5. Maxie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Green Chapel Baptist Church in Romayor, Texas.

In later years, she joined Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C.L. Punch. Maxie education started in Romayor, Texas at Hardin High School. Eventually, the school moved to Hardin, Texas where she finished her education.

Maxie married Willie Burkes Sr., and to this union 7 amazing children were born. Later, she married Clarence Wiltz. She thought having children was over, but to her a huge surprise two mischievous boys arrived in 1969 and 1973. Maxie worked hard from sunrise to sunset, to help provide for the family. Her jobs included: working in restaurants and working for Dr. Shapiro & Mrs. Shapiro (Pasadena, Texas) and her lifelong dream job at H.I.S.D.

Maxie worked in the cafeteria doing what she loved best, cooking food and sharing her culinary expertise.

The food smelled good, looked scrumptious, and tasted delicious. She earned her food certification and became a manager. She worked at Phillis Wheatley Sr. High School, S. A. Pleasant Elementary and Langston Elementary (1973-1994) She retired May 31,1994 but continued until her death to inspire others to be great cooks.

On September 28,2022 at 7: 53p.m, Maxie departed this world at 93 years of age at Harbor Hospice. She was preceded in death by parents Daniel & Addie Marsh; husbands Willie Burkes Sr. & Clarence Wiltz; children Sgt. Willie Lee Burkes, Lee Henry Burkes, Carolyn Burkes, and Albert Keith Burkes; siblings Hattie Vonner, Lewis Marsh, Daniel Marsh Jr., and Eugine Reescano; grandchildren A’Daralyn B Wyatt, Keith D. Burkes, and Parish Thomas; and her beloved pet “Cash.”

Left with precious memories: children Rosemary Smith, Pamella Thomas (Leroy), Vanessa Bledsoe (Ronald), Clarence Burkes (Sherri) and Kareem Burkes; siblings Roosevelt Marsh (Stella), Easter Townsend, Annie V. Scott, Mary Trahan and Johnny Marsh (Dorothy); 12 grandchildren, 14 great great grandchildren, 5 great great great grandchildren, some great neighbors: Mr. Jimmy Vaughn and Mrs. Wille Vaugh; The Goodens, Ms.Ferguson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.