Maxine Jeannette Pilkington, 97, died Thursday, October 10, 2019.

Maxine was born in Topeka, Kansas on October 9, 1922 to Joseph Franklin and Oda Maude Stewart. She was one of nine children, 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Her family moved to Tulsa when she was 7 years old. Maxine attended Tulsa schools, studied acrobatic dance, and graduated from Central High School in 1939 at the age of 16. She met Harry Pilkington in the 7th grade while attending Cleveland Junior High School. They immediately became sweethearts and attended school activities together, including the 9th grade prom. They were married in Tulsa on September 21, 1941.

Maxine and Harry had four children: Peggy Young, Jim Pilkington, Terry Pilkington and Max Pilkington.

Maxine was a homemaker. Most important to her was her family and she enjoyed cooking, sewing and spending time with her children. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, and to her siblings and their families. She loved family picnics and reunions. Maxine was always one of the first to nurse or help any family member who was ill or needed a helping hand. As a young mother, Maxine gave her time and support to several organizations for the mentally handicapped, as her younger son Max had Down Syndrome. Maxine was also involved in firefighter activities including coordinating the delivery of supplies, clothing and support to fire victims. In 1976 she was named Oklahoma Firefighters Women's Auxiliary Woman of the Year for her devotion and hard work in charity activities.

Maxine and Harry enjoyed traveling and camping as members of the Tulsa Traveling Elks RV Group. After retiring from the Tulsa Fire Department, Harry was employed by the Alyeska Pipeline and during eight years of Alaska residency, Maxine and Harry enjoyed many trips throughout the state where they even panned for gold.

Maxine is survived by daughters Peggy Young and Terry Pilkington of Tulsa; daughter-in-law Patricia Pilkington of Claremore; brother Jack Stewart of Ochelata; grandchildren Bill Tallon, Jim Tallon, Sean Pilkington, Tyler Bunch (Marca), Jimmy Taylor, Tanya Zipeto (Mark), Sarah Stegman (Zach), Pat Young, and Francie Young; great-grandchildren Amos Pilkington (Kasey), Emma Pilkington, Holly Shattuck (Perry), Bethany Tallon, Mike Rice, Cheryl Shadrick, Kathy McLain, Kimberly Lucht (John), Margeana Thomas, and Serona Young. Maxine is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great-great grandchildren.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Harry; sons Jim Pilkington and Max Pilkington; son-in-law Don Young; grandsons Don Young II, and Gary Young; great-grandson Logan Pilkington; brothers Joe Stewart, Jr., Harold Stewart, and Don Stewart; sisters Dorothy Stewart, Doris Wermuth, Mary Jane Reed, and Betty Jane Stewart.

Visitation will be Monday, October 14, 2019, at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 East 51st, Tulsa, OK.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, Tulsa, OK. 918-663-2233.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Physicians Choice Hospice,2221 East Skelly Drive, Tulsa, OK 74105.