Maxine (Young) Hysaw

The Life and Times of

Maxine Young-Hysaw

On Friday, October 9, 1936, at St. Luke Hospital in Houston, Texas Felton and Gladys Young announced the birth of their baby girl, Maxine.  There is no way that they could have ever imagined the impact that she would make in life.  Absolutely no way that they could have dreamed that she would touch so many people and accomplish so many achievements.     

Education was important to Maxine.  From the time she graduated from A.G. Hillard High School in 1954 until her last collegiate venture in her 70s, she was a determined force.  Her educational pursuits provided her with many successes throughout her career.  Some of those successes include her serving as a State Representative, working with Job Corps with Texas Workforce Commission, working in accounting as a CPA, working at Houston Light and Power, and in other positions across the span of her career.    

Maxine was a powerful woman of God.  She loved the Lord and was a faithful servant.  From serving at Alvin Missionary Baptist Church to working diligently in Prison Ministry, she had a servant’s heart.  She was involved in the community and was an aide to those in need.  

Although she was very accomplished in her career and worked diligently within the church her first ministry was to her family.  She loved and cared for them however; she was ‘old school’ in her approach.  She believed in raising her children to be in church and God-fearing upstanding people.  She enjoyed family time.  Her offspring could always look forward to spending time with her and other family members either at her mom’s home when they were young or at her home later in life.  Yes, there were fish fry’s and bar-b-que dinners all the time.  She could put on a mean pot of beans, her famous spaghetti, or her beans and rice in no time flat and be ready to eat and entertain her kids, grandkids, great-grands, cousins, and family members in general.  It was commonplace for her to share with them the wisdom that she gained over the years as they would sit on the couch and talk with her.  She loved us all including her ‘fur baby’ Hunter.  

There are so many precious memories. From her smile that could light up a room, to remembering the many trips that were taken with her and talking with her as she traveled the world.  She was full of love and spirit.  On Friday, April 22, 2022, she was called from labor to reward.  She will be missed but we all are thankful that God blessed her to be with us for 85 years.  Those who will often reflect on these and other cherished memories include her children: Lori (Timothy) George of Alvin, TX, Patricia (Michael, Sr.) Martin of Bay City, TX, Gladys Matthews of Missouri City, TX, Kenny Matthews of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Reggie (Sonia) Matthews, Sr. of Bay City, TX, Billy J. Young, Sr. of Port Arthur, TX, and Michael Young of Bay City, TX; goddaughter Kimberly Pate of Houston, TX; siblings: Randolph Young of Laport, TX, Robert (Alice) Young of Alvin, TX, Raydell Mosely of Port Arthur, TX, and Billy (Pasty) Young Sr., of Dallas, TX.  Maxine will be truly missed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and friends. 

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband Simon Hysaw, her sons Kevin Matthews, Daryl Matthews, Samuel Matthews, her granddaughter Kendall Patterson, her parents Felton and Gladys Young, her stepmother Mozell Young, and her maternal as well as paternal grandparents.

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