Maxine Root

Thelma “Maxine” Root passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the age of 93. She was born August 14, 1932, in Terral, Oklahoma, to Alvis Henderson and Cammie Brunson Henderson. She was the fifth of 14 siblings with six sisters and seven brothers. She knew the meaning of sacrifice and hardship early in life. Upon graduating high school, Maxine married a US Marine and was a military wife for more than 10 years and a mother and homemaker for 20 plus years. After her children were mostly grown, she made a career in Sales, holding the title of Senior Manager for Home Interiors and Gifts for 20 years until retiring at 60 years old.

Maxine’s world revolved around her family and when she lost two daughters unexpectedly at young ages, she was devastated. But through her faith, determination, and love for her children she found an inner strength and resolve that allowed us to have her for almost 94 years. She has remained dedicated to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cared deeply for her very large extended family.

She is survived by her daughters, Jacquelyn R. Fox (Bobby) and Leslie R. Drew; sons, Mark E. Root (Julie) and Christopher P. Root (Jayne); sisters, Freda B. McClennen, Emily (Patty) Gunter, and Shirley E. Kuntz; brothers, Bill W. Henderson, Rex G. Henderson, and Jim D. Henderson (Chris); grandchildren, Bryan Fox, Ashton Fox, Brittany Ballard (Jeremy), Mathew Root (Courtney), Morgan Root (Hannah), Avery Ryan (Kyle), Mick Drew, Jaden Root, and Emerson Root; great-grandchildren, Bowen and Everly Root, Clay Ryan, and Kinsley Ballard; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Henderson (Bobby); as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Capt. Edward Ray Root; parents, Alvis Benton Henderson and Cammie Brunson Henderson; daughters, Jennifer Louise Root and Michelle Elizabeth Root; sisters, Flo D. Chavez, Jo Nell Cunningham, and Sue Carr; brothers, Kenneth Henderson, Alvis Ray Henderson, Bobby C. Henderson, and Ted A. Henderson; grandchild, Jordan Raye Root; and son-in-law, John Douglas Drew.

Maxine’s children would like to extend their deepest gratitude to their brother Mark Root, for the years of love and care he provided their mother.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. The visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

For those so desiring, memorials in honor of Thelma “Maxine” Root may be made to the Michelle Root Memorial Award, c/o St. Joseph’s Academy Foundation at www.sjabr.org.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com