Phyllis Maxwell

Mrs. Phyllis Boone Maxwell, the widow of the late John William Maxwell, transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, May 29, 2026.  She quietly slipped away at Harbor Grace Hospice Facility in Atlanta, Georgia.

Phyllis was born in Gates, North Carolina on August 1, 1945 to the late Harold Lindsey and Rosa Vaughan Boone.  She was one of five children.  Her sister, Christine Boone Deal and two of her brothers, Harold Stanley and Eric Wayne Boone preceded her in death.

Phyllis accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age and joined Stoney Branch Missionary Baptist Church.  When she moved to New York, she continued her relationship with the Lord and joined Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York.  When she returned to Gates after her retirement, she rejoined Stoney Branch and remained a faithful member until Alzheimer’s disease began to cause her mental decline.

Phyllis retired from New York Telephone & Telegraph (now called Verizon of New York) after over two decades of faithful service.  She was known for being hardworking, cheerful, a great friend, and an impeccable dresser.

Phyllis was a proud member of the Central High School Class of 1963.

Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory two children:  Her daughter, Lorie Boone Collins (Rathmond III) of Suffolk, Virginia and her son:  Vincent Andre Maxwell of Brooklyn, New York.  In addition to her children, she is survived by her one and only “grand”, Rathmond Mills Collins, IV of San Diego, California; one brother, Marvin Nelson Boone (Diane) of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Hilda Boone of Gates, North Carolina; and one uncle, Jerry Boone, Jr. (Mable) of Gates, North Carolina.  She is also survived by two very special classmates: Rev. Penestine Hawkins Lee and Mrs. Paulette Boone Lawrence as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A viewing and visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Palm Tree Baptist Church, Suffolk, Va on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 12 noon.

Ms. Maxwell's final resting place will be at Darden-Boone Cemetery in Gates, NC.

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