Mary Maxine Dove

Mary Maxine Weller Dove

March 18, 1934 – January 11, 2022

Mary Maxine Weller Dove was born in Deaver, Wyoming, March 18, 1934. She was the second of two children born to Virgil William Weller and Mary Poor Weller. Her sister, Wilma Elizabeth Weller Richards, was 11 years older, so Mary Maxine was raised almost like an only child on the farm where her family raised crops and sheep. One winter the farm burned down, and the dogs got into the sheep and killed a bunch of them. One of the neighboring farmers told Virgil, “If I were you, I’d go stick my head in the river.” Virgil replied, “No. I think I’m going to stick around and see what happens next.” His character for hard work, generosity, and optimism was passed to Mary and was foundational to who she was.

After graduating from high school Mary moved to Van Nuys, CA with a couple of girls from town and began corresponding with Vernon Keith Dove, an Airman from home in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. Writing letters wasn’t quite enough for Mary, so when she thought Vern was dragging his feet, she wrote him a 6 page love letter and sent him the first 5 pages. He had to call. It was a turning moment, and they were married December 27, 1954. Their marriage lasted until his death on December 30, 2019. Their love lasted a lifetime.

Vern was stationed at Rapid City, SD where Jayce Allen Dove was born. Vern was sent to Japan and Mary moved home to Wyoming where the next child, Brian Dee Dove, was born. When Vern returned, he requested to be stationed somewhere warm and Biloxi, MS became an anchor for them. They would move several times, but always came back to Biloxi where friends would become like family and family continued to grow.

Mary’s first overseas move with Vern took them to Germany. Who knew that a little cute farm girl from Wyoming would see such grand sights? It was a joyous time that brought the third of their three children, Mary Virginia Dove, into the world.

From here they would return to Biloxi and in 1969 she would have a defining moment in her life, a car wreck that almost took her life. She was in the hospital for months and had three children to raise. Family and friends kicked in to help. It was a very hard time. She had her own “I think I’m going to stick around and see what happens next” moment and the faith that was planted in her in her early years would be put to the test – and flourish. She frequently talked about how important faith and believing are. In Mark 5:36 Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” This faith over fear was a light in her life she shared with many over the years and led her to adopt Psalm 91 as one of her favorite scriptures. She would encourage you to read it.

Today we celebrate the life of Mary Maxine Weller Dove. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and friends. The friends are too many to name. The faith is a lasting testimony. The family is: three children: Jayce Allen Dove (Beth), Brian Dee Dove (Joy, preceded in death), Mary Virginia Dove Galloway (AJ): nine grandchildren: Joshua David Dove (Cindy), Nathan Andrew Dove (Joelle), Meghan Elizabeth Dove Armstrong (Steven), Daniel Joseph Dove, Brian Keith Dove (Kelsie), Merry Nicole Dove, Steven Paul Galloway, Daniel Lee Galloway (Taylor), Patrick Hayden Galloway: and nine great grandchildren: Abigail Ann Dove, Emma Ruth Dove, Ivy Grace Dove, Evangeline Noelle Dove, Finley Rose Dove, Autumn Blake Armstrong, Ramsey Joseph Dove, Leon Foster Dove, and Korey Carolyn Galloway.

The family of Mary Maxine Weller Dove would like to thank the many friends and family who have cared for Mom in our journey. We are especially grateful for the dedicated, loving and professional care given for decades by Dr. Eva Magiros and the extra years she has given us with Mom.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport, LA would be appreciated.

Mark 5:36 “Jesus said, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’”

Psalm 91

Friends are invited to join the Dove family for Visitation and Services on Tuesday, January 18th at Beauvoir United Methodist Church, Pass Road, Biloxi.  Visitation will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., with the Funeral Service beginning at 9:30 a.m.   Following services, there will be a Committal Service at Biloxi National Cemetery, where Mrs. Dove will be laid to rest next to her husband, Vernon Dove.

Livestream will be available at 9:30am  Link is below