Shirley Sue Maxson

Shirley Smith Maxson, 74, of Tuckasegee passed away Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 at her home. Shirley was born February 25th, 1944 in Franklin, NC. She is the daughter of Marie Smith and the late Fred Smith of Tuckasegee.  

She worked 30 years with the Palm Beach County School System and retired as Director of West Technical Education Center in Belle Glade, Florida. After moving back to her home in Tuckasegee, Shirley worked as a Guidance Counselor at Blue Ridge School for 6 years.

Shirley is a graduate of Cullowhee High School (Class of 1962), Western Carolina University with a BS in Education Home Economics; University of Georgia, Masters in Vocational Education/Home Economics; NOVA with a Masters in Guidance and Counseling and University of South Florida with a Specialist Degree in Education Administration. She has spent her career in many areas of education, starting as a Home Economics teacher in Orlando, Florida. She loved working with students at all levels of education.  

Since moving back to Tuckasegee, Shirley has enjoyed working in her flowers, her garden and trips with her husband.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 50 years, George “Mike” Maxson, her mother, Marie Smith (102 years old), sister, Peggy Wike all of Tuckasegee and sister in-law, Pat Nason of Riveria Beach, Florida. She is also survived by 3 nephews, Bill Wike of Cary, NC, Mark Wike of Tuckasegee, and Nat Nason of Riveria Beach, FL; great nephews William Wike III of Cary, Colby Wike of Tuckasegee and David Nason of Riveria Beach, FL and great nieces Ashlynne Wike of Cary and Annalise Wike of Tuckasegee.  

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 25th at Appalachian Funeral Services Chapel with Preacher Ken Hicks and Rev. Jack Henson officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to:

Western Carolina University Scholarships

Cullowhee High School Scholarship

Appalachian Funeral Services is serving the family.