Maxine Pierson

Maxine Lorraine Pierson, age 93, of Olivet and formerly of Marshall died Sunday morning, February 16, 2014 at Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital in Charlotte.Mrs. Pierson was born on June 24, 1920 in Atlanta, Michigan to Chris and Amanda (Benson) Peterson. She was a long-time resident of Marshall and a resident of Olivet since 1996.In November of 1949, she married Arthur Redman in Battle Creek. He preceded her in death in 1968. She found love again and in 1973, married Colin H. "C.H" or "Bud" Pierson. He preceded her in death on January 3, 2000.Prior to her first marriage, Maxine worked for the radio station WELL in Battle Creek. She wrote commercials for the station as well as the script for the very popular program "Our Yesteryears". While her children were young, she stayed at home to provide them with a dynamic and loving home. Following the death of her husband Art, she took over the daily operations of the family owned paint store in downtown Marshall, "Redman's Paint & Wallpaper", a Marshall landmark of many years. She also operated the store for a period of time with son Robert Redman, who eventually took over the business to give Maxine some time to relax.Maxine was very active in civic projects in Marshall. She was a member of the Marshall Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society and was very involved in the local school millage campaigns. For many years, she played the piano and organ for the Olivet Brookfield Methodist Church. Another talent that Maxine possessed was painting. She created many wonderful landscapes and also did several portraits.Family members fondly remember the great and frequent family gatherings at her parent's farm in Yuma, Michigan, including nieces and nephews: Christie, Cathy, Mark, Amy, Chris, Cindy, Pat, Donner, and Elainie, and many, many other family members.College basketball was a favorite pastime of Maxine's. She loved following the local state teams. Her favorite time of the sporting year was March Madness. She enjoyed filling out her bracket and following all of the games until the championship. Maxine would want us to note that she often finished in the top of the results despite some stiff competition.Maxine also remembered fondly playing on some of the pioneering girls' high school basketball teams in Michigan in the 1930s, blazing the way for her grand-daughters and nieces.In 1973, she married Colin 'Bud' Pierson. The couple moved to Sarasota, Florida in 1975, and resided there until returning to the Olivet area in 1996. While in Florida the Pierson's traveled and did Antiques and Collectible Sales in the south until Mr. Pierson became ill in 1988.Maxine's life was full of love. She enjoyed the times that she was able to spend with her family. A favorite time of hers was attending the yearly family reunion up north. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She is remembered by her family as a person that "made everyone around her smile". She had a special way of connecting with each one individually. Each person who talked to her felt they had a genuine conversation with both fun and insight. She would perhaps most like to be remembered as "Grandma Max", sharing so much warm time with Grand-children Mandy and Kate, and Great Grand-children Clara and Hudson.For the last many years, Maxine and her sister, Elaine lived separately, but shared their lives closely in Olivet, MI. They orchestrated many great experiences and gatherings together for their friends and families.She is survived by a daughter, Sandy 'Ionia' Redman of Arizona; sons, Steve (Lin Rose, Sarah Redman, Jill Rose-Redman) Redman of Leslie, MI and Robert Redman of Arabi, Louisiana; step-daughter, Diane Monnier of Tucson, AZ; grand-daughters Kate Redman and Mandy Redman (Matt Chambers) and great grand-children, Clara and Hudson; a sister, Elaine (Jack) Bruce of Olivet; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by good friends, Altha Cole of Olivet and Grace Forgrave of Rudyard, MI. She was preceded in death by husbands, Arthur Redman and Colin Pierson; a sister, Doris Dowd (Donner) and a brother, Roe Peterson (Mary).A memorial service to celebrate the gift of her life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Marshall, MI. Memorials contributions may be made to charity on One's Choice. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.To contact the family directly please send emails to [email protected]