Maxine Smith Nance died peacefully surrounded by her son and daughter-in-law at Mercy Hospital on January 6, 2026.

Born to James Stanley Smith and Mary Estelle Almond Smith in Marshville, NC, Maxine was the fifth of nine children. While attending Marshville schools, where she graduated as an honor student, she was a member of the varsity basketball team, school band, and National Honor Society. In 1953, Maxine moved to Charlotte to enroll in Nursing School. Later she attended King’s College Business School and proceeded to start her business career with Electro Mechanical Corporation, an engineering firm, as the bookkeeper and office manager.

In 1960, Maxine married Howard Thayer Nance and had their son, David, in 1963. She was an active 66-year member of Myers Park United Methodist Church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School. She participated in fundraising for the Junior Women’s Club of Charlotte and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mint Museum of Art. She and a friend opened a shoe salon in the Villa Square, in Eastover, in the late 1980’s.

Maxine later served on the Board of Trustees with Grandfather Home for Children in Banner Elk, NC. She was active with “A Child’s Place” in the Charlotte school system, a cause that was deeply meaningful to her. She helped raise funds to support caring for abused children. Maxine’s greatest joy came from time spent with her family and many cherished and lifelong friends.

Maxine enjoyed many happy years walking the Eastover sidewalks and spending time in Ocean Drive Beach, SC and Linville, NC. She played countless rounds of golf along the Grand Strand and later at Linville Ridge. Joining Carmel Country Club in 1960, she was part of the Ladies Nine Holer’s for many years. Maxine’s love language was preparing exquisite meals for her family and many friends. She was an accomplished Bridge player for over 70 years. She thoroughly enjoyed watching PGA Tour golf and attending the Master’s Golf Tournament. As an avid NFL football fan, she enthusiastically prided herself on being one Charlotte’s best “armchair quarterbacks".

Maxine is survived by her son, David, and his wife, Jennifer, of Charlotte; her granddaughter, Elizabeth (Alex), of Charlotte; and her grandson, Parker (Madison), of Dallas, TX; sister Mary-Charles Smith Edwards of Columbia, SC; brothers Larry Smith and Joel Smith both of Tennessee, plus many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family is deeply grateful for the loving care provided to Maxine by the medical teams at Signature Healthcare (Dr. Michael Smith), Tryon Medical Group (Dr. Dale Owen) and the nurses and doctors at Atrium Mercy Hospital.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, January 21, at 2:00 pm, at Myers Park United Methodist Church, Francis Chapel. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Hankins and Whittington Funeral Home is serving the Nance family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Southminster Community Fund, 8919 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 or to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.