Obituary: Maxie Belle Spence Livesay

Maxie Belle Spence Livesay, 94, of Cary, North Carolina, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, April 13. Maxie passed away peacefully at WakeMed Cary Hospital with her three loving daughters by her side.

Born on October 2, 1920, in Spring Creek, West Virginia, Maxie was the daughter of the late James McClung Spence and Amanda Ellen Neathawk Spence. She was married to the late Hubert Bright Livesay for 54 years.

Maxie is lovingly remembered by her family: three daughters Joy Spinks, of Lilburn, Georgia, Judy Lusk, of Cary, North Carolina, and Donna Blackmer and husband Jack, also of Cary; eight grandchildren David Mitchell and wife Cindy, Dena Mitchell Barbour and husband Mark, Denise Mitchell Haynes and husband Mike, all of Georgia, Kevin Lusk and wife Miryam, Krista Lusk Guerriero and husband Eddie, and Kara Lusk Dudley and husband Bill, Tim Sydnor and wife Trina, all of North Carolina, and Susan Sydnor Ford and husband Tim, of Michigan; 25 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great grandchildren; brother James McClung Spence “Boon” and wife Edith, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and sister-in-law Edith Livesay Taylor and husband Tom, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. 

Maxie was preceded in death by her brother John Spence and her sisters Nancy Alford, Dare Brown, and Sydnie Stewart, as well as her sons-in-law Bill Spinks and Jake Lusk.

Maxie had a special zest for life powered by her faith in God and love for her family. Maxie was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Throughout their marriage of 54 years, Maxie and Hubert had a true partnership and made Oak Ridge, Tennessee, their home for most of that time. They owned a business together for more than 20 years, Modern Recapping and Tire Sales in Oak Ridge, where Maxie served as office manager. They enjoyed family trips and cruises—especially annual family vacations to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Maxie and Hubert loved their time and hosting family at their condominium in Naples, Florida, where they spent many winter seasons. They made wonderful memories visiting family in North Carolina, Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, as well as traveling to places including the Great Smoky Mountains and Brazil.

Maxie enjoyed sharing her passion for the Lord. She served as a Sunday school teacher for many years and most recently was a member of First Baptist Church of Cary. Maxie was a wonderful homemaker—she loved to sew and cook for her family. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and witty humor. Maxie left a lasting impression on everyone in her life—especially her eight grandchildren—who adored her dearly.

Maxie’s family would like to thank all of the many wonderful people who participated in her care, giving her comfort and touching her life.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to noon at Apex Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at noon, with family to receive guests following the service. The graveside service will be held on Monday, April 20, at 1 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, assisted by Weatherford Mortuary, with the Reverend Mark Barbour officiating.

Memorial contributions in Maxie’s memory may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or the American Red Cross.

Condolences to the family may be made in an online guestbook available through ApexFuneral.net.