She was born on December 22, 1933 in Schwab City, Texas to Drewie Jackson Duff and Lora Ann Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Lois Duff, and one brother, Horace Lamar Duff.
Ms. Duff is survived by a sister-in-law, Marie Duff of Livingston, Texas; nephews, Danny and Lynn Duff of Nederland, Texas, and David Lamar and Cheryl Duff of Onalaska, Texas. She is also survived by Nita Gokey, her chosen daughter of Goodrich, Texas; numerous relatives, countless students and friends.
Maxine Duff was educated by the Goodrich schools and held a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Physical Education and a Master’s Degree in Education from Sam Houston State University.
She taught and coached at Goodrich ISD for 30-plus years. She taught English and literature and coached girls’ basketball, volleyball and softball. She taught GED classes at night and sponsored the Beta Club, cheerleaders, the yearbook and other student organizations. She dedicated herself to her family, her students and her community. She loved hunting, fishing and working in her yard.
She was awarded the Texas Excellence Award For Outstanding High School Teachers in 1988. She demanded her students work to their potential and would not accept anything less. To tell you the truth, everybody at the school was a little scared of her. She was strict, tough, consistent, fair and kind. In time, we grow to realize that she pushed us because she actually cared about and believed in us and recognized our potential. She never stopped encouraging us even when we became adults. She did not have children of her own but, when people asked, she would say “I have hundreds of children.” Her former students and the Goodrich Community loved and respected her. She will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to the Maxine Duff Scholarship Fund c/o Goodrich Independent School District, P.O. Box 789, Goodrich, Texas 77335. Make check payable to Goodrich ISD and add Maxine Duff Scholarship to the memo line.
Graveside services will be held in Maxine’s honor on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Menard Chapel Cemetery in Livingston, Texas with Nita Gokey officiating.
Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.
