Maejean Dunaway Nixson

Maejean Dunaway Nixson, 87, died Sunday, March 10,2024 at her home in McKinney.  A memorial/funeral service will be held April 13, 2024 at Charles W. Smith funeral home in McKinney, TX.

 Her family includes 6 children, daughter Jeanne (Vonnie) Valdez of McKinney, TX, Sons: John Taylor of McKinney, TX, Wilson Taylor of Van Alstyne, TX, Amon Nixson Jr of Lake Frederick, Virginia, Anthony (Tony) Nixson of Commerce, TX, Bradley (Ben) Nixson of Gardendale, TX; 8 grandchildren, Daniel, Erin, Michelle, Samuel, Racheal, Sarah, Chris, and Carl and 13 great grandchildren.

 She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Amon Nixson, Sr, her parents Wayne and Iva Dunaway, and siblings, Marie Colcleasure, Freda (Meb) Lindahl, Maxine (Mackie) Leverett, Sue Smith, and Bill Dunaway. 

 Maejean was born at home to Wayne and Iva Dunaway on 7/14/1935 in Fayetteville, AR. She was the fifth of 8 children: Marie, Meb, Mackie, Don, Sue, Sarah (Francie), and Bill. All of the children were born at home except Sarah.  She graduated from Blackwell High School, Blackwell, OK, received an associate degree in business around 1970 from Richland College.

She was an electronic designer for the first pacemaker and designed a computer chip that was used in the space shuttle. She designed a circuit for the first artificial heart. The first artificial heart had a limit of a few hours and they joked that the “cow never got off the table”. But it did!

 She married Amon Nixson, Sr on Sept 1,1973. Together they blended 2 families into 1 magnificently- Amon’s 3 boys and Maejean’s 2 boys and 1 girl. Amon was the love of her life. 

A gifted quilter and lifetime member of the Cottonpatch Quilters Guild, she was known for her beautiful quilts.

 She enjoyed time on the cabin on the mountain top in Arkansas that she and sister Francie co-owned. The mountain became gathering place for family and Quilt retreats. 

 Thos who wish may send a memorial donation to KERA in lieu of flowers.