Maxine “Mema” Span
Maxine “Mema” Span, age 62, went home to be with the Lord on May 25, 2026. Maxine was a woman whose entire life was a living testimony of sacrifice, faith, compassion, and most of all, unconditional love. To know her was to know kindness in its most purest form. All throughout her days, Maxine carried herself with utmost gentleness, grace, strength, always putting others before herself. Whether you were her neighbor, friend, family, or even stranger, Mema loved you deeply without hesitation. Every single day that she lived, she lived as an example of God’s grace and love, giving freely of herself while asking for very little in return.
Born to Wilma and Robert Mays, Maxine built a life centered solely around her faith and family. She was a devoted mother to Crystal Span, Amber Span, Aaron Span, Tabbi Cook, Honi Dawn Camp, and Michael Span, who preceded her in death. She was married to her husband, Earnest Span, for over 47 years. One of the greatest reflections of the nature of her heart was the loving care that she gave to her daughter, Amber, for more than 17 years. It is a quiet, selfless devotion that truly defined who she was. Caring for others was never a burden to her, it was simply the way she loved.
To her grandchildren, she was much more than a grandmother, she was a home. She shared a very special bond with Isaiah Freeland, Ciara Watson, Gavyn Freeland, Emily Parsons, and Katelyn Span, along with many other beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she cherished deeply. Her love spread out far beyond blood relatives; anyone who knew her eventually called her “Mema”. She made everyone feel like her family, as her warmth, wisdom, and comforting spirit left a mark on every life she touched.
Mema found joy in the simple things, such as caring for her animals, spending time with her family, tending to her pool, and cheering faithfully for her beloved Denver Broncos. She had a heart big enough to carry the burdens of others while still making room to bring comfort, laughter, and love into every room she entered.
The life Maxine lived was not always easy, but she carried her hardships with unwavering faith. Her story is one seeping with perseverance, humility and extraordinary strength. She showed all around her what it truly meant to serve others, to trust God through difficult times, and to love without limits. Her faith was evident in every single thing that she did, from the top of her head to the soles of her feet.
Though her family’s hearts are deeply broken by this loss, they find absolute peace in knowing that her love and legacy will live on through the countless people she cared for throughout her life. The kindness she gave, the prayers she whispered, the sacrifices she made, and the love she poured into others will never be forgotten.
To know Maxine “Mema” Span was to witness a life beautifully lived in service to others. She will be missed beyond words, remembered beyond measure, and loved beyond this lifetime.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO
