Maxie Dean Craft Hare

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maxie Dean Craft Hare, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Maxie was born on July 7, 1936, and left us peacefully on July 19, 2025. She lived a full and vibrant life, leaving behind countless cherished memories for her family and friends.

Maxie's journey began in high school, after which she made her way to Houston, Texas, where she worked at Shell Oil in the tallest building in downtown. With one of her first paychecks, she bought her parents their first television, becoming a local star in Junction by making their home the place to be for neighborhood watch parties.

While in Houston, Maxie found love with her brother's high school friend, Curtis Hare. They married and shared a beautiful life together until his passing in 1990. Family was everything to Maxie. She and Curtis returned to Merryville just before their twins started kindergarten to raise their four daughters, running Hare's Grocery (Junction Grocery) and working hand in hand as partners in life and business.

Maxie was more than just a hardworking mother; she was an artist at heart. Her passion for sewing found her crafting beautiful leather purses and countless clothing items for her family. As a gifted quilter, she created stunning quilts and delighted her children and grandchildren with her handmade gifts. An award-winning cook, her famous mystery pecan pie won her a microwave in an 80s cooking contest, and her cornbread dressing became the stuff of legends at family gatherings.

Home cooked Sunday lunch was a tradition filled with love and laughter as Maxie opened her doors to family and friends, making her house a true home. She loved reminiscing with her brothers and sisters, sharing laughter over old stories, and dancing with Curtis to the music of HeeHaw, much to the embarrassment of her daughters.

Maxie was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Merryville and loved being with her church family and friends.

Maxie had a talent for crosswords and puzzles and was a devoted fan of the Houston Astros, LSU, and the New Orleans Saints. Most of all, she loved her children and grandchildren deeply.

Maxie is survived by her daughters, Beverly Perry and Ricky of Junction, LA, Teri Self & Anthony of Merryville, LA, Patty Sibley and Allen of Junction, LA, Peggy Hare of Sulphur, LA; brother, Jerry Craft of DeRidder, LA; sisters, Betty Daoust of Humble, TX, Mary Linda Craft and Harvey of Katy, TX; grandchildren, Jason Perry and Jennifer, Eric Perry, Melisa Dardar and Tory, Traci Allen and Rick, Justin Self and Alanna, April Kay and Jody, Evan Sibley, Seth Sibley; twenty great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Curtis Hare; parents, Dean and Trudy Craft; brothers, Willie Craft, Jerrell Craft, George Craft.

Maxie will be missed beyond words, but her spirit will live on in the lives of those she touched.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Maxie's life at her funeral service on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a public viewing starting at 9:00 AM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Brother Tory Dardar will officiate the service and Brother Jason Perry will read the obituary. Pallbearers will be Jason Perry, Eric Perry, Evan Sibley, Seth Sibley, Jody Kay and Shannon Quave. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Craft, Dusty Craft, Randy Craft and Chris Craft. Maxie will be laid to rest following the service at Cannon Cemetery in Merryville, LA. Join us in honoring her memory and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.