Maxine Coffey Matheson

Maxine Coffey Matheson, known to most as “MeMe”, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on April 29th at the age of 90 in Lenoir, NC. Maxine graduated from Lenoir High School in 1952, where she first discovered her love of music by playing the clarinet in the marching band. Shortly after high school, she began working for the Traffic Department at Broyhill Main Office in 1956. That same year, she married her childhood sweetheart, Dale Matheson, with whom she shared 60 years of love and laughter. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two children: Richard (Rick) Dale Matheson Jr. and his wife Diane of Lenoir, and Kim McGalliard and her husband Doug, also of Lenoir.

Maxine and her family traveled the world during her beloved husband’s 28 years of military service. While living abroad and at military bases stationed around the U.S., she had a knack for hosting and entertaining prominent dignitaries and international guests alike. Her home was always open, warm, and welcoming to all who entered, earning her a well-deserved reputation as the “hostess with the mostess”. After her husband Dale retired from the military, they returned to their hometown of Lenoir, NC, where they were called into the ministry. For 25 years, Maxine shared her musical talents by playing piano and singing for various congregations. She was also well known for her famous pound cakes and the countless acts of kindness she extended to those in her community, church, and neighborhood. She loved reading her daily devotions and could often be found flipping through her extensive collection of cookbooks and magazines. Maxine always appreciated a good joke – her contagious giggle and vibrant sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Above all, her family was the center of her world. She especially cherished the annual beach trips, creating lasting memories during those special times together – moments she looked forward to year after year.

MeMe was blessed with 7 grandchildren, Heather Miller and husband Chad of Granite Falls, Hayley Warren and Ben Craig of Lenoir, Chris Robbins and wife Susie of Winston Salem, Malarie McGalliard and Graham Moore of Asheville, Madalyn McGalliard of Portland, Brooke Matheson of Lenoir, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandsons. MeMe now joins her husband and heavenly family: father Collis Hill Coffey Sr., mother Nellie Sumpter Coffey, brother Collis Hill Coffey Jr., and granddaughter Amy Matheson Catterton.

A celebration of life will be held at Evans Funeral Home on Sunday, May 4. Receiving of family and friends will begin at 2pm, with service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to MANNA Foodbank, 99 Broadpointe Drive, Mills River, NC 28759.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the Matheson family.