Maxine M. Murphree

Maxine Murphree rejoined her heavenly family and gained her wings. She passed away peacefully at home on April 28, 2020, after a long illness with Dementia. She was 86 years old. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Lillie Mae Morrow and by her loving, loyal and dedicated husband of 58 years Clarence “Murph” Murphree . Maxine is survived by her 3 children Eric Murphree, Karen Smith and Leslie Pody. Her 6 grandchildren Nicole Tatum and her husband Matt, Dylan, Chandler and Collin Pody, and Loren and Natalie Murphree. Her 2 great-grandchildren Cohen and Ansleigh and her brother Charles “Chuck” Morrow and his wife Gaynell. Maxine was born and raised in a small community known as Greenwood in Bessemer, AL. Where she walked to school uphill both ways barefoot and in the snow!! Milked cows, hand churned butter, handwashed clothes using a wash board! For fun she would take the bus on Saturdays to Birmingham to shop and see a movie at the Bham Grand Theater! She graduated in 1951 from McAdory High School. She was employed as a secretary for US Steel where she met and ultimately married the love of her life. She became a homemaker referred to these days as a “stay at home mom”! She loved being a mother and back in the g. Maxine was a Life-long member of Canaan Baptist Church. It was always a known fact that we would be in Church on Sunday mornings, Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Maxine loved her church family and took great pride in volunteering her time and or services anytime there was a need. Rest assured even if you did not sit by her during preaching, she had eyes in the back of her head! She never forgot to handout punishments when we got home via a switch or belt! Maxine was an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother. She cared deeply for her family, friends and neighbors. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. She was always the first to offer help. Maxine regularly helped organize and plan meals and deliver to the home of sick neighbors and fellow church members and she always ensured that every child who crossed her threshold was safe, healthy, happy and helped out with EARLY Saturday morning chores!! She and my Dad worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for us. Maxine’s greatest love was her family. Her greatest blessings called her mom and all her children were proud to call her mom! Her homegoing service is being handled by McCalla Memorial Funeral Home Friday May 1 at 12:30; Graveside Service Friday May 1 2:00 pm at Valhalla Cemetery.

Maxine M. Murphree

April 5, 1934 - April 28, 2020