Maxine Alexander Miller

Iona Maxine Alexander Miller, age 96, passed away peacefully at Forest Ridge Assisted Living Center in West Jefferson on February 17.  She was born in Ashe County, the youngest daughter of Shubal Vance Alexander and Myrtle Ballou Alexander of Crumpler. In addition to her parents, Maxine was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Paul Miller; by an infant brother, Hoke, and her four sisters:  (Delphine Capps (Jim); Sally Waddell (Dwight); Dorothy Blevins (Dale); and Edith Lawson (Jack).  She was also predeceased by a grandson, Michael Ryan Miller, and her daughter-in-law, Ava Bare Miller.

Maxine is survived by her twin sons, Matthew Shubal Miller of Wilkesboro (Lois); and Michael Paul Miller of Harmony.  She is also survived by three grandchildren: Jonathan Miller (Brittany), Brittney Miller Pierce, and Tyler Miller-Bost (Nick), and five great-grandchildren: Kennedy, Karrington, Briggs, Rivers, and William.

Maxine grew up on the family farm on the New River in Crumpler.  She attended Healing Springs School.  At the age of only 16, she went to Peace College in Raleigh, and then graduated from Women’s College in Greensboro (now UNC-G).  She began her teaching career at Healing Springs School in 1949, and married her principal Paul, a year later. She continued to teach at Healing Springs for 31 years, retiring in 1985.  Maxine was inducted into Delta Kappa Gamma, a prestigious education sorority, and up until her death was the oldest living member.  Maxine instilled in her students and family a legacy of love, kindness, temperance, knowledge and respect.

From 1959 until the year before her death, Maxine lived on the Miller family farm in Jefferson, with a view of Mt. Jefferson, and hills rising behind the house with fields for Christmas trees and Angus cattle.  After Paul’s death, Matt and Mike continued to run the farm.  In her later years, Maxine was able to remain at home with the help of her sons and caregivers, especially Sue Weaver.  She became a resident at Forest Ridge for her last year.  The family is grateful for the kindness and care shown to her by the staff there, as well as Medi Home Health and Hospice.  Maxine was a faithful member of Jefferson United Methodist Church.  She was a talented seamstress and crafter, and enjoyed preparing for the annual craft fair at the church.  She also was a gifted quilter, a fine cook, and a loyal friend to many.  She had a sweet, uncomplaining nature, and was loved by all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 am at Jefferson United Methodist Church, 115 East Main Street, Jefferson, NC, with a meal to follow in the church Fellowship Hall.  Pastor Kristy Burnette will be the officiant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial donations be sent to Jefferson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 236, Jefferson, NC 28640.