Maxine B. Howard

JACKSONVILLE - Maxine B. Howard, age 86, passed away at the Davis Community in Wilmington on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. Maxine was born on February 22, 1929 in Onslow County. She was predeceased by her parents, Guy Basden and Nellie Harrison Basden; her husband, Walter H. Howard; a daughter, Janet Leigh Howard; and a brother, Elmer Basden. Maxine was a true Southern Belle, a social butterfly as some would describe, who was known for always giving of herself to help others less fortunate or in need. She was involved with Tabitha Prayer Shawls Ministry, where she along with others would knit prayer shawls for many in and around Rocky Mount. Above all, Maxine loved spending time with her family, especially her beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, moments in time which she held dear to her heart. She is survived by daughters, Reverend Kay Howard Swindell and her husband, Robert T. Jr., of Jacksonville and Lisa Howard Buie and her husband, Steven, of Jacksonville; her three grandchildren, Kelly Bailey and her husband Aaron, Katie Goodman and Amanda Thigpen and her husband Bryan; three great-grandchildren, Tyler and Barrett Bailey and Abigail Thigpen; and her brother, Alton Basden and his wife, Joyce, of Kinston. A Celebration of Maxine's Life will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, May 25, 2015 at First Christian Church, 1101 West Haven Boulevard, Rocky Mount, NC 27803 with Dr. Gary L. Edens, Pastor of First Christian Church-Richlands, and Dr. John Browning of Rocky Mount officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery. Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service on Monday, beginning at 1:00pm at First Christian Church, 1101 West Haven Boulevard, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made in Maxine's memory to First Christian Church-Richlands, 124 Trott Road, Richlands, NC 28574 or to the American Cancer Society, 11 South Boylan Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603.. Arrangements are entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share your memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation First Christian Church (of Wilson) 207 Tarboro Street, N.E. Wilson, NC 27893 Monday 5/25, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Service First Christian Church (of Wilson) 207 Tarboro Street, N.E. Wilson, NC 27893 Monday 5/25, 2:00 pm Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801