January 10, 2025, 94, Goldsboro —
Maxine Phillips Parnell, 94, was welcomed into life eternal on Friday, January 10, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. Maxine was born in Johnston County to the late Millard Arthur Phillips and Betsy Evans Phillips on Christmas day, December 25, 1930. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Eugene Parnell; daughter, Ellen Parnell Cobb; granddaughter, Hollie Lynn Hood; sisters, Dorothy Cuddington and Ruth Pearson; and brother, J.T. Phillips.
Dedicated to service to the Lord, Maxine was a long-time member of Pleasant Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church. Faithful in worship every Sunday, you could always find Maxine seated right alongside the rest of her family, offering praises and thanksgiving. For many years, Maxine served as a Bible school teacher, youth leader, nursery worker, Sunday school teacher and as President of the Lancaster Bryan Sunday School Class. Serving many families during times of bereavement, Maxine was always there to serve meals to families who had lost a loved one. Her potato salad was exceptional and something everyone looked for on the table.
Maxine was a lifetime member of both the day and night groups of Pleasant Grove Women’s Auxiliary. With her strong faith in the Lord, Maxine spent many hours on her knees in prayer for her family and many others.
Tirelessly devoted to her family, Maxine found her greatest blessings while caring for them. Always happiest when she was doing for others, she dedicated her time and energy to showing her love in tangible ways. While raising her family, Maxine began teaching at Pineview Day Care in Goldsboro. She always enjoyed the opportunities given to her to impact the lives of so many children.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove O.F.W.B. Church. A service to celebrate Maxine’s life will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with Pastor Barry Stallings officiating. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 in Wayne Memorial Park.
Maxine is survived by her children, Thomas E. Parnell and wife, Kathy of Goldsboro, Glenda Phillips and husband, Garry of Zebulon, and Phyllis Kirby and husband, Jerry of Goldsboro; son-in-law, John Cobb of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Joy Hood, Jason Corbett, Daniel Kirby (Kaley), Dana Johnson (Johnny), Mary Ellen Hood (Brent), Tiffany Burnette (Todd), and Garred Phillips; great-grandchildren, Jordan Allen (Margaret), Logan Lethco, Kinley Long, Carter Wood, Austin Mitchell, Eva Mae Hood, Caleb Johnson, Jackson Hood and Vaden Kirby.
We would like to give a very special thank you to the wonderful staff at Gentiva Hospice for the love and care they provided for Maxine during her declining health and final days. Simple words cannot express our gratitude.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Maxine’s memory to Pleasant Grove O.F.W.B. Church, P.O. Box 36, Pikeville, NC 27863.
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
