Maxine Spears

Maxine Spears peacefully passed away on November 7, 2023 at Matthews Health and Rehabilitation

Maxine was born at home on Sam Newell road in Matthews NC on June 14, 1935 to Myrtle and Johnny Benton. Myrtle and Johnny could not think of a name so Myrtle’s love for Maxine soap became her name. She grew up in Matthews as well. She lived on a farm and helped raise her 5 siblings who lovingly called her Mac or Macky. She was also known as Mamaw to many.

She attended Matthews school where she was known as Mary Maxine. She was not given a middle name at birth so she created her own to be more like the other children.

Maxine married Bobby Spears at 16 years old in 1951. By the time she was 21 she had 4 boys. Two of which were born the same year, 1953. Maxine was a homemaker most of her life. She enjoyed Sewing, gospel and country music, puzzles, animals and most of all family. She cherished her animals Dutchie, Heimy and Daisy who she fondly talked about often. She had a great love for all wildlife, except snakes ! She fed many squirrels and raccoons over the years. In fact she could call them by name to the porch and feed them. She also loved her pepsi, banana sandwiches and cornbread and milk. She could make a heck of a Lemon Meringue pie also.

She attended East Baptist Church for many years.

Maxine never met a stranger or a person she did not like. She was spunky, caring, loving and full of life. She will be greatly missed by anyone that knew her.

Maxine is survived by her Children, Eddie Spears of Mint Hill NC, Kenny (Donna) Spears of Savannah Georgia, and Max Spears of Matthews NC. Grandchildren include: Tina Spears of Mint Hill NC, Rebecca Spears of Georgia, Lisa Hart of Georgia, Crystal (Steve) Patheal of Salisbury NC and Chris (Jessica) Spears of Charlotte NC. Great GrandChildren : Brittany Spears of MInt Hill NC, Kody Starnes of Mint Hill NC, Kyrie Patheal of Salisbury NC, and Aubree Spears of Charlotte NC. Maxine is also Survived by her sisters, Vivian (Henry) Hartis of Matthews NC, Dianne Benton of Matthews NC and several nieces and nephews.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Myrtle and Johnny Benton, husband Bobby Spears, son Benny Spears, Daughter in Law Holly Spears and siblings Betty Bass, Faye Cotty and Moffatt Benton.

We would like to thank Matthews Health and Rehab for the care and dedication they provided for Maxine. Especially Mike, Maria, Helen, Kimberley, Jason, Charmine, Darren and Andrea. We would also like to thank Via healthcare for their end of life care, especially her nurse MItch.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to the following charity of your choice: Stand For Animals, Humane Society, Red Cross or the Salvation Army Angel Tree.

The family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home in Matthews NC the privilege of caring for them. A graveside service will be held on Friday November 10 at 1pm at the Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Service will be conducted by Reverend Jonathan DeBell.

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