Maxine Randolph Earley, 80, of Murphy died Thursday, January 30, 2014 in an Asheville hospital. She was a native of Haywood County, but had lived in Cherokee County since 1965. Maxine was a 1955 graduate of Berea College with a B.S. in Home Economics. She worked many years as Consulting Dietician in area hospitals and nursing homes, retiring from the Cherokee County Health Department W.I.C. program. She was a member of the Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church and loved the ladies in the Minnie Ferguson Sunday School class.
Surviving are her husband of 59 years, Jack Earley; a daughter, Lynn Roberson and husband, Glenn of Charlotte, NC; two sons, Douglas Earley of Andrews and Gary Earley and fiancé, Elizabeth Griffis of Hamlet, NC; two grandchildren, Connor Roberson and Katie Earley Ward and husband, Nick; a great grandson, Chase Ward; and several cousins.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 PM Sunday, February 2 in the Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church, Highway 141, Murphy with Dr. Chester Jones officiating. Interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Franklin Barnett, Fred Carson, Tony Colbert, Scott Freel, Roy Gilbert, and Larry Stalcup.
The family received friends from 2-3:15 Sunday afternoon at the Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Maxine Randolph Earley to the Industrial Opportunities, Inc., PO Box 1649, Andrews, NC 28901.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
An incident I will never forget happened in 2002, shortly after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Maxine had just dealt with the disease. She invited me out for lunch in town. She reached across the table to grasp my hands, and she prayed a beautifully worded blessing. Then, she began to cry. I was touched and surprised that she was that concerned with my welfare. I didn't understand her tears at the time, but I soon learned. This was a perfect example of Maxine's care and concern for her fellowman.
What a legacy to leave behind. So, rest in peace, dear friend. You have paid the price.
Grace and Lyle Carringer
Please accept my deep regrets for your loss even though you don't know me because death is our worse enemy and always brings much grief and pain as it did when I lost my whole family to it but I found comfort and hope in what Jehovah Gods word the Bible says at John11:11 and Mark5:39 that says they're just asleep and Jesus tells us at John5:28,29 that we'll see our love ones again and this helps me get through each day because I miss them so much. I truly hope these scriptures have helped in some way because this is my purpose in sharing this with you. Please know I do share your grief.
Sincerely, Gloria Mosley
I am soooo saddened to learn of Maxine's passing. As you know I've always loved your whole family. Maxine was indeed a very special lady and she will be sorely missed. May God grant you solace now and in the coming days. I will certainly keep you in my prayers!
Deanne
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you during this time.