Maxine E. Whitley

MAXINE E. WHITLEY

November 29, 1935 - December 21, 2025

Maxine Edwards Whitley, 90, of Rocky Mount, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 21, 2025. She was born in Nash County to the late William Louis Edwards and Lillian Elizabeth Parker Edwards on November 29, 1935, and lived a life marked by faith, family, and quiet strength.

Maxine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She played a vital role in establishing Barnes Farming Corporation, where she was instrumental in growing sweet potato plant beds and in the marketing and sale of tobacco. It was through selling tobacco that she met her devoted husband, Norman Whitley, with whom she shared 30 years of marriage.

A lifelong member of Peachtree Baptist Church, Maxine’s faith was central to her life. She was deeply involved in the church and played a key role in its rebuilding after a devastating fire in 2006, demonstrating her steadfast commitment and servant’s heart.

Maxine enjoyed gardening, traveling, and caring for those around her. A lady of elegance and poise, Maxine took pride in being the best dressed in the room. She was a true embodiment of southern grace with underpinnings of a tough-as-nails work ethic. Her quiet strength and determination will be remembered by all who knew her.

Maxine was the youngest of six siblings, all of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded by her beloved son, Johnny Barnes; grandson, Michael Saindon and stepson, Curtis Whitley.

Maxine is survived by her loving husband, Norman W. Whitley; daughters, Debra (Nick) Barnes; Laurie (Henry) Chancy; daughter-in-law, Lisa Stone Barnes; stepson, Norman K. (Linda) Whitley; sisters-in-law, Joyce Edwards and Laverne Whitley; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, December 27th at Peachtree Baptist Church. The family will receive friends 12:30 – 1:45 pm prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Peachtree Baptist Church Memorial Fund for Maxine Whitley, 3523 NC 581 Hwy., Spring Hope, NC 27882.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg,

www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

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