On Sunday morning, Aug. 30, 2015, Maxine Burgess Brown received one last kiss from the lover of her life, Frank Brown, and entered into the love and care of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Maxine was born July 13, 1940 to the late Vernon and Hazel Burgess of Handley.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Franklin D. Brown; two children, Thomas F. Brown of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Debra Ann Kennedy and her husband, David Kennedy, of Charlotte, N.C.; three grandchildren, Alexis Kennedy Thompson and her husband, Ryan, of Winston-Salem, N.C., Austin Kennedy of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Franklin Brown of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and one brother, Michael Burgess and his wife, Robin, of Spencer.
One of Maxine's greatest joys was attending The Morris Drive Church of Jesus Christ. She was a faithful member for over 54 years, and the members of the church were like family to her.
Known for her ease in frequent conversations with total strangers, Maxine was the friend everyone wanted to have. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many who are now being changed by her witness of constant nurturing, love and faith, which is how she lived her life daily.Maxine always put others needs before her own, and it gave her great joy to touch the lives of others and make a difference each day. Even in her last days, she was thinking of others and giving to the very end. Her signature gift of kindness, which was shown through her constant love. Kindness and joy in her heart will never be forgotten. She went out of her way to make people feel special and loved. Maxine was described as an angel on earth, and anyone who came into contact with her felt her gentle, kind and caring ways.
Married for over 57 years, Frank and Maxine Burgess Brown raised their two children possessing a true servant's heart. Maxine faithfully cared for her family and friends through delicious cooking and baking, including her famous blackberry cobbler. A woman of faith and the heart of the Brown family, Maxine shaped their spirituality by her tireless Christian example, always living her life in God's light. With a real zest for life, she loved spending time with her family, who have so many special memories that will live on a lifetime with special Mom/Grandma stories. Her greatest love was her husband of 57 years, Frank Brown. Theirs was a true love story that movies were made of. They were constant companions with their mutual love of God, family and good times shopping, enjoying good meals together and enjoying their morning coffee and conversation daily.
She will be sadly missed by a multitude of family, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, but never forgotten.
Service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at The Church of Jesus Christ on Morris Creek, Montgomery, with Bishop Paul Rose officiating and Steve Bennett and Greg Petry assisting. Burial will follow in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the church, and also one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church.
O'Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery, is in charge of the arrangements, and expressions of sympathy can be sent at www.odellfuneralhome.com.