Maxine Whaley

Mary Maxine Beam Whaley was born at home near Martinsmill, Texas and was the fifth child of six siblings (four girls and two boys). They were tenant cotton farmers in East Texas. They had no electricity, indoor plumbing or a refrigerator. Living on a farm with a large family she learned respect, loyalty, kindness, and patience. Life was difficult but they were content with the little things. Her parents were faithful Christians and active in Liberty Baptist Church. They taught their children about God and that they needed a Savior. She accepted Christ when she was seven and baptized in a small creek near their home. In high school her favorite subjects were math and English. When she graduated from Busby High School in May 1936 she was awarded the title of Valedictorian. She wanted to become a teacher but they were not financially able. In the 1940's, she moved to Los Angeles with her family. She attended business school, got a job at Broadway Department Store as a gift wrapper, and then left to work at Hoffman's Candy Company. In 1942, she married Kermit (Kirk) Whaley in Olympia, Washington. He was in the army and sent to the Aleutian Islands for two years and she went back to LA. During WWII she worked at the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company repairing tanks and then became a tank inspector. Their first child, Annette, was born in 1944, Janis in 1947, and Gail in 1948. In 1945, Kirk was discharged from the army. They lived in LA and eventually moved to the San Fernando Valley. 1953-59 she worked at a dime store in Encino. In 1959, she started working for Wonder Bread/Hostess Bakery thrift store in Panorama City as clerk/manager. She retired after 25 years. She attended Berean Baptist Church in Northridge until 1969 when she became a member of Grace Community Church. For many years she volunteered at Grace-to-You, distributing John MacArthur's books/audio tapes. She was very active, a generous friend to many, liked helping with church events, and made life-long friendships. She had many hobbies like making ceramics/jewelry, baking, reading mystery books and taking adult education classes at Pierce College. She traveled in the US and to other countries with family and friends. Six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson loved sharing her long life.