Maxie Henderson Haire

Maxie Henderson Haire, 97, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at Farmwood Senior Living facility in Mint Hill, North Carolina.

She was born March 1, 1928, in the community of Marines, North Carolina to CR and Dera Henderson. At just 15 years old, Maxie graduated from high school and went on to attend East Carolina University majoring in Economics. She loved to have fun at school – so much so that the president of ECU often found himself calling her parents for “a chat.”

One such occasion was when she borrowed a hearse with glass panels (so people could see inside) and decided it would be hilarious to lie in it as though she were dead while being driven through campus. The school and her parents were not nearly as amused as she was.   What was she thinking!

At age 18, she graduated from college; Maxie took a train to New York City hoping to find a job and become a dancer – despite not knowing how to dance. Her brother quickly retrieved her and brought her back home to North Carolina, where she received another scolding from her parents.

Eventually, Maxie settled down and relocated to Bladen County, North Carolina where she worked for the state as a Home Economists Extension Agent. It was there that she met her husband, Edgar, and began the next great chapter of her life.

Maxie loved her family and friends deeply. A devoted Christian, she was an active member of Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte until she was in her early 90’s. She served on the board of the Charlotte Rescue Mission and found great joy in helping others. A true Renaissance woman, Maxie was a seamstress, painter, woodcarver, interior designer, teacher and gardener. She also loved to travel—South Africa being one of her favorite destinations.

She is survived by her children Marcy (Ivan) Hinrichs of Charlotte, NC; Garette (Lisa) Haire of Mills River, NC; Melinda Staples of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Brek Haire, Joshua Staples, Leah (Sam) Hendrix, Corban Haire, and Garrison (Mia) Haire and great- grandchildren, Tristan, Kameron, Miller and Lyla; nephews John Hair and Dan (Fern) Caddell. She is also survived by her cherished South African family: Dr. Ronnie (Beaulah) Narasimooloo, Cindy (Wesley), Ronelle (Sashin) and Carrie (Sadashin). And Christa Moose, her “daughter in love.”

Maxie was proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Edgar and her grandson Matthew Staples.

There are many words to describe Maxie -- wife, mother, “Memaw,” and friend – but perhaps the best is Prayer Warrior. She led many to Christ through her example and her words, including her own children.

If you wish to honor Maxie or a Prayer Warrior in your life, please consider donating to Feed the Hunger  and designating your gift toward Bibles.

The family wishes to thank those who loved and visited her, as well as the wonderful staff at Farmwood Senior Living.

Per Maxie’s wishes, no formal service will be held – but her children will gather to “tell lies and funnies,” remembering the greatest mom ever.