"Granny" Maxine

A more personal post than I've ever published, but I've wanted to start documenting and sharing my thoughts on family and friends for many years, so here it goes.

The following words and photos are intended to honor and remember one of the greatest spirits and as a reminder to be kind, love, and spread joy as much as possible in this life.

With Love…

Born Ena "Maxine" Langston, she lived a long 98 years and 5 months. Maxine was born and raised in Hand, AR (a town long-gone and mostly forgotten submerged under Lake Norfork) where her mother and father both farmed and ran a general store. She later moved to Mountain Home, AR where she met and married my grandfather, Wasson Arnold Kent. Both she and Wasson contributed to the World War II defense effort by working in the Jacksonville Ordnance Plant while living in Little Rock for a short time. Later, the she owned and operated the Ken Morris Shoe Store on the Mountain Home square. After retiring from the business, both she and Wasson worked at Wal-Mart until their final retirement in Mtn Home and Flippin. After living on their own became too difficult they moved to assisted living in Hot Springs, AR where they lived out the remainder of their lives. They had one son and my father, Terry Kent. To many in her life, she was known as "Granny Maxine"

Maxine and Wasson Kent with young Terry (My dad) at age 4. She used those same type of foil tinsels on her Christmas tree even when I was growing up 3-4 decades later! haha!

Photos like the one above are a great reminder that people you always viewed as “old” were once young and lived lives with countless experiences and relationships that you’ll never know about. Maxine is on the right having some BIG FUN with friends. I would have loved to hear Maxine tell the story here, but I never saw this photo until after her passing.

Granny Maxine and an obviously happy baby me!

I’m the luckiest grandson in the world to have had an idealistic grandma for nearly 42 years and don’t take that for granted. Sweet, loving, funny, kind, generous, patient, intelligent, loyal to family and friends, faithful to God, liked to play games, loved to cook and eat southern food, loved to read both fiction and her bible, was always impeccable with her word, and just plain easy going are a few ways I’d describe her. Sometimes I wonder if I’m biased but I’ve heard the same sentiment about her from many others - family, friends, and strangers many many times over the years. Truly one of the brightest spirits I’ve ever encountered.

I’ve said for many years now that if I’m half as pleasant and happy as her in my elder years (or at any age for that matter) then it will be a successful life.

Those matching outfits of Maxine and Wasson! 😆 That’s my big sis, Courtney.

The second to last visit that Granny Maxine fully recognized who I was in December 2019. February 2020 was the last visit where she fully recognized me. Of course little did we know was in store for the world coming in March of that year.

The first visit after the pandemic was in full swing. I was required to stay outside and speak to her on the phone. It was the first time she had no idea who I was. Confusing and frustrating for both of us, the experience was difficult to not be able to comfort her with touch and my voice in person. Tough day. A good reminder to call your loved ones and hug them as much as possible. We never know what the future has in store for any of us.

The last time Granny Maxine fully recognized me and we had a coherent conversation was February 2020. Mentally she gradually slipped further into another realm over the next four years. The only person’s voice she recognized consistently in her final year was my father Terry’s, her only child. In the last few months of her life she called him “Herman” which is her father’s name. Even though she didn’t know who most of her family was she continued to tell stories of her past, sing and laugh.

In all her suffering over the last 15+ years with losing Grandpa Wasson, all her sisters, her ability to walk, her vision, her cognition to Alzheimer’s, and a plethora of other health issues and pain, she did it all with Love and grace. I rarely if ever heard her complain once. Even the nurses and caretakers where she lived loved her, called her "Granny" and always mentioned how much they enjoyed taking care of her. I know they could have just been saying that as "good customer service" but it felt genuine.

Maxine led her life always with faith in God, always with Love and always kindness. She’s one of my greatest inspirations. In last several months of her life I knew her time to pass on was near, so I did pray for her transition to come with ease.

Holding her hand on February 18, 2024. She never could fully articulate a word that visit, but I managed to get her to crack a few slight smiles amongst her mumbling. She was in obvious pain and torment, but still showed moments of peace and joy. She passed early the next morning. 🕊️ What a blessing to have held her hand and talk to her one last time on this Earth.

I LOVE reading some of the other messages from strangers and family alike confirming what I already knew about her. Here are some of my favorites:

If you knew her and have any stories that you'd like to share please send them to me so I can add them to this memorial.

A woman who truly embodied the Christian spirit by showing kindness, love and generosity to all. Maxine will always be one of my greatest inspirations. Love you Granny! ❤️

Beyond a memorial and remembrance possibly… well I probably, I wrote this for myself just as much as anyone else. For my own mental health that is. The plan is go back and write about others who've made a positive difference in my life and now passed on to their next journey. If you read all that way, much Love to you, and I appreciate your time honoring the life of "Granny" Maxine Kent. ❤️ Now go hug, call, or at the very least text a loved one!