December 29, 1943 – December 12, 2021
COFIELD – Maxine Brown Britt left this world to begin her spiritual journey on Sunday, December 12, after enduring several months of an undiagnosed illness. Her departure was sudden and unexpected, leaving behind friends, loved ones, and a wonderful but unfinished life. True to her nature, she remained private and determined until the end.
Daughter of Howell and Ruby Brown, she was born December 29, 1943, and graduated from Wendell High School and East Carolina College (now University) with advanced degrees.
Maxine was first and foremost an educator, starting her career working with special needs children. Her love of learning and desire to share that gift led her to the Northeast Regional Education Center in Williamston, where she worked to develop curricula for schools in seventeen school districts. Later, as a consultant, she was tireless in her efforts to help schools meet and exceed their accreditation standards. After retirement, she focused her considerable talents and creativity on both her passion for sewing – making everything from elaborate hand-stitched quilts to dolls and comical characters – and her love, shared with late husband Franklin “Bill” Britt, for preservation and restoration of historic structures. Their home continues as a remarkable and treasured example of history preserved.
Maxine was an accomplished cook, an avid reader, a sudoku and crossword puzzle master, a persistent gardener, a skilled seamstress and expert quilter, a rambler and woods walker until her knees denied her, and a lover of all things natural. As a dedicated member of the Ahoskie Woman’s Club, she managed and helped judge their Arts Festival, supporting and encouraging local and regional artists. As a charter member and officer of the Winton Historical Association, she championed efforts to get the town listed on the National Register of Historic Places and gain tax advantages for those rescuing important local structures.
She is survived by stepson Franklin L. Britt, Jr. (Thea) of Sweden; stepdaughter Martha Britt Becher (Robert) of Plainfield WI; brother Steve Brown (Debbie) of Wendell NC; two dear aunts; numerous beloved younger cousins; and lastly, her steadfast companion, “Willie John.”
A memorial celebration honoring her life and memory is scheduled for 11:00AM in the Fellowship Hall of the First Baptist Church, 312 W. Main St., Ahoskie, NC on December 29, her 78th birthday. Arrangements are being made through Strickland Funeral Home in Wendell. Memorial donations may be made to Preservation North Carolina, P.O. Box 27644, Raleigh, NC 27611; Coastal Land Trust, 3 Pine Valley Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412; Food Bank of the Albemarle, 109 Tidewater Way, Elizabeth City, NC 27909; or to any charity of your choice.
5 Comments
Steve and Debbie, So sorry to read of Maxine’s passing. Praying for God’s comfort and peace as you move ahead in life.
Archie and I are saddened to learn that Maxine has passed, but feel so privileged to have worked with her in education in eastern North Carolina. She touched so many lives. We send our deepest condolences to her family and know that she will never be forgotten.
Maxine Brown was my colleague and friend since 1978.We worked together as consultants at the Northeast Regional Education Center , and later as Supervisors in the Edenton-Chowan Schools. Maxine was an extraordinarily gifted educational leader who positively impacted education throughout Northeastern North Carolina for many years.
When Maxine retired, we maintained contact, Every December, a mutual friend; Rebecca Oates and I made our annual drive from Knightdale to Cofield to visit Maxine. The visit was always special. Maxine’s home was her private sanctuary. Every inch of the home was a testament to her unique decorating talents and artistic skills. .
Maxine’s personality was unique; she was authentic. She was confident, bold, yet unassuming, with no pretense. I admired her. She will be greatly missed.
My condolences to the family. May God grant you comfort.
I am so sad to hear that Maxine has passed. She was an amazing person. Loved by the many lives she touched. She touched mine and I was never the same after. I admired and looked up to her. Even though she was very private, I witnessed a strong, kind, loving person who I felt believe in me and what I could accomplish. I will never forget her. Love you Maxine! Rest in Peace.
Maxine was a good friend and colleague. She was the consummate educator others looked to for guidance. I certainly did. .She could write upside down better than anyone I’ve ever seen, a skill she learned working with young children.
Her life was a life well lived. May God’s peace be with her now and into eternity.
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