SHELBY - Maxine Holland Edmondson, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at the age of 79 at her home in Shelby, North Carolina. Born on June 20, 1946, in Shelby, Maxine lived her life with a heart full of kindness and a spirit brimming with humor.

Maxine's life was a tapestry of laughter, love, and compassion. Her sense of humor, reminiscent of Lucille Ball from "I Love Lucy," brought joy to everyone she encountered. She had a natural talent for sewing, creating beautiful pieces that were cherished by family and friends alike. Her cooking skills were legendary, with meals crafted out of love and shared around tables filled with warmth and happiness.

Her passion for thrift shopping transformed simple outings into adventures, where each find was a treasure and every story worth sharing. Maxine's heart was especially kind towards animals, offering them a gentle touch and unwavering care.

Though preceded in death by her parents, Charles Max Holland and Wona Davis Holland, her first husband Flay L. Kale, Jr., and her second husband Tommy Edmondson, Maxine's legacy lives on through her surviving family. She is cherished by her daughter, Holly Bowman, and son-in-law Dickie of Shelby; step-children Bradley Thomas of Charlotte, Paula Edmondson Strange and husband Ross of Burlington, and Anna McGill and husband Denny of Cherryville. Her granddaughter held a special place in Maxine's heart, Kale Bowman, and her fiance Ben, along with her many step-grandchildren: Colton Bowman, Matthew, Suzanne, Bristan, Hannah, Zoe, Colt, and Billy, as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

A special companion for the past six years, Joseph H. Talley, stood by her side, bringing companionship and joy in her later years. Maxine's caregivers, Rebecca Blanton and Shirley Edwards, along with a host of other friends and family, were blessed by her presence in their lives.

Visitation of family and friends are invited to gather at 12:00 onTuesday, December 30th, an hour prior to the service to share stories and celebrate the memory of a woman who touched so many lives with her laughter and love.

A celebration of Maxine's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home, with Pastor Tim Trexler officiating.

Interment will take place at Cleveland Memorial Park at 2:00, with Austin Edwards, Colton Bowman, Benjamin Beaver, Steve Cody, Jr., Eddie Blanton, and Dean Jenks, Jr. serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers the family would like for you to consider VIA Hospice of Cleveland or Life Enrichment Center in Shelby.