Joy Maxine Aaron

Joy Maxine Aaron, age 95, of Carterville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, at Herrin Hospital.

She was born in Damascus, Arkansas, to Coy Steven Cullum and Rose Catherine (Wrigglesworth) Cullum. Maxine spent her early years in Higdon, Arkansas, before moving to Vallejo, California, where she met her husband, James Lee Aaron, who was serving in the United States Navy at Mare Island. The couple were married in Reno, Nevada. Following James’ discharge from the Navy, they settled in Marion, Illinois, where they welcomed three children: Karen June, Deborah Lee, and Steven Dale Aaron.

From 1950 to 1952, Maxine worked at Sangamo Electric. Later, she and James moved to Carterville, where they owned and operated a fishing tackle factory. Following James’ illness, the business was sold, and the couple enjoyed traveling together until his passing in 1985 at the age of 55.

Maxine was a talented seamstress who lovingly made her daughters’ wedding dresses. She also enjoyed gardening and was a faithful member of Third Baptist Church in Marion.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Lee Probert; her son, Steven Dale Aaron; grandchildren, Tracey Lynn Mathis, James Wesley Hood, and Michael Aaron Probert; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Lee Aaron; her parents; her daughter, Karen June Scruggs; sisters, Anna Louise Barth and Betty Jo Cudney; brothers, Coy Cullum Jr. and Walter Leo Cullum; half-brother, Danny Lee Brown; and grandson, Steven Michael Hood.

Graveside visitation will be held Monday, June 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. A graveside committal service will begin at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor John Holst officiating. Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive shortly before 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made in Maxine’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Envelopes will be available at the graveside service.

Blue Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements under the direction of Binkley-Ross Funeral Home. Please visit binkleyross.com to leave online condolences for the family.