Martha Maxine Puckett

Martha Maxine Puckett, née Hairston, 87, of Scooba, MS, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024 in Daphne, AL. Maxine was born April 3, 1937 in Scooba, MS to James Love Hairston and Agnes Elizabeth Hairston. She attended Artesia-Mayhew High School, where she graduated as Valedictorian in 1955. She received her Associate’s Degree from Gulf Coast Community College in 1975, the same year her oldest son graduated from high school. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi and her Master’s in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women.

She married Aaron David Puckett, Sr. on March 30, 1955 in Artesia, MS. Together, they had five children, Aaron David, Jr., Daniel Love, Suzanne Elaine, Sarah Elizabeth, and Samantha Ellen.

She was a nurse practitioner for many years and practiced at various clinics and hospitals across Mississippi. Before that, she served as the ED Charge Nurse and Director of Nursing at Ocean Springs Hospital, as well as many other roles on her way to being an NP. She retired from nursing at the age of 82.

 Maxine loved to travel and, as a member of Family Campers and RVers (FCRV) for decades, took her family on adventures throughout the United States and Canada. In 2009, she was the District 16 President for the Mississippi Nurses Association. She was involved in local politics in Scooba, MS and served on the town council.

Maxine devoted her life to helping those around her. She was dearly loved by many and made a lasting impact on everyone she met.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Aaron David Puckett, Sr.; son, Aaron David Puckett, Jr.; parents, James Love Hairston and Agnes Elizabeth Hairston; and siblings, Dorothy Hairston Sessums, Billy Love Hairston, and Thomas Martin Hairston.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Judy Hairston of North Little Rock, AR; children, Leslie Puckett of Daphne, AL; Daniel Puckett (Kathie) of Picayune, MS.; Suzanne Cassibry (Bob) of Daphne, AL; Sarah Cochran (Richard) of Gurley, AL; and Samantha Martone (Mark) of Panama City, FL; her grandchildren, Courtney McIlwaine (Jason), Eric Puckett, Korey Walls, Jeremy Walls (Erika), Daniel Puckett, Jr., Wilton Cassibry, Clayton Cassibry, Sarah Cassibry, Megan Cochran, Lauren Besley (Nick), Kelsey Cochran, Matthew Cochran, Rebecca Price (Larry), Erin Martone, and Anthony Martone (Ember); her 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to sincerely thank the dedicated health professionals at Gentiva Hospice Care, specifically her primary team of Tara, Roshanda, Laine, and Brother Mike for their care and compassion over the last year.

A visitation will be held at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home in DeKalb, MS on Saturday, October 5th from 5-8 PM, and a funeral service will be held at Cross Mountain Ministries in Porterville, MS at 3 PM on Sunday, October 6th , with visitation an hour prior. Burial to follow at Chapel Hill Methodist Church in Porterville.