Maxine was born October 22, 1925 in Geneva County, AL daughter of the late Robert Malcolm and Ruby Belle Teal Wright. She is survived by sisters, Oleta Wright Brown (Lewis) and Brenda Wright Napier (Ken), her children, Linda Howard Massey (James) and Bobby Howard (Vicki), five grandchildren, Katrina Massey Schaetz, Christopher Mark Massey (Rhonda), Amanda Herring Smith (Mel), Lindsey Rae Howard Grubbs (Kevin), and Will Howard. Eight great grandchildren, Ashley Smith Dietz (Matt) and Samantha Schaetz, Virginia Massey,Tate Massey & Anderson Massey, Cadyen Smith & Cali Smith, Quinley Reagan Grubbs, two great-great grandchildren, Parker Dietz & Payton Dietz. Numerous nieces and nephews throughout Columbus and surrounding areas. Her family tree is too numerous to list everyone.
Her younger brothers and sisters Robert O’Neil, James Ray, Mildred Juanita, and Virginia Joann predeceased Mrs. Howard.
Mrs. Howard graduated from Poplar Springs High School, Graceville, FL in 1943 and moved to Columbus where she began working at Bibb Manufacturing Company. She was married to the love of her life, William Leon Howard for 54 years before he preceded her in death. After retiring from Bibb Manufacturing with over 40 years of service she went on to work in cafeteria services for the Muscogee County School System where she enjoyed being the youth of Columbus. She spent her life in service to others and will be remembered for her exemplary cooking and baking skills. She and her husband provided a loving and nurturing environment for their family. Mrs. Howard always baked birthday cakes for her family and friends and her famous tea cakes for everyone to enjoy. She took her children and their friends to school events, ball practices and games. When her son began coaching baseball, she and Mr. Howard loved attending the games and she baked cookies for the team.
Mrs. Howard was a devoted Christian and lived an extraordinary life. The Howard family wishes to thank the entire staff of Orchard View and Columbus Hospice for their kindness and devoted attention to her needs during her last few months.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in the chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA with Dr. Bill Purvis officiating. The family will receive friends at 12:30 pm on Sunday prior to the service in the Mill Room at funeral home. There will be a private intermit at 10:00 am on Monday, September 17, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 5156 River Rd. Columbus, GA, 31904. Those wishing to express memories or leave condolences can do so at www.shcolumbus.com
