Ms. Maxine S. Norwood, after 77 years, surrendered her soul on Thursday, March 13, 2014 from Muskogee.

On July 24th, 1936, in Muskogee , Oklahoma, a baby girl was born to Azalee (Bess) and Walter Stanford. They named her Maxine. She was one of their seven children. She professed a belief in Jesus Christ and joined Canaan Baptist Church and later united with Macedonia Baptist Church.

She attended Muskogee public schools.

In 1953 she united with James W. Norwood. They were blessed with 10 children. She spent her days being a full time mother and home maker.

Maxine loved being around people. Her friends looked forward to social events at her home because the activities always included some home cooked food . Some of her activities were playing games, taking care of grand children, fishing with her siblings and she also loved to play soft ball.

Maxine remained an active church attendee until her health made it impossible. She was given all the love and caring attention from her family. The pain was removed as she made her transition from this life on Thursday, March 13th, 2014. Those waiting to welcome her home are her parents, a son, James Jr. her husband, James , one brother, George Stanford and two sisters, Dorothy Dedmon and Vacie Chatman.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her children: Tonette Stanford, Wichita, KS; Wyvette Reeves (Otis), Elk City, OK; Ron Norwood (Wanda) Muskogee, OK; Hope Mayes, Tulsa, OK; Linda Norwood, Muskogee, OK; Walter Norwood, Ohio; Kimberly Gross, Memphis, TN; Tina Norwood, Muskogee, OK and Jerry Norwood (Shedra), Lincoln, Neb; Siblings, Mary Alice Wallace,; Nathaniel Stanford and Sammie (Margo) Stanford of Muskogee, OK; Twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

The Hour of Remembrance for Mrs. Norwood will commence on Friday, March 21, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. in the most Holy Sanctuary of the Macedonia Baptist Church.  The Pastor, Reverend Larry H. Smith, Sr., will officiate.

Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

You may visit "Maxine" as she slumbers in sweet repose at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 AM until 6 PM.