Mary Maxine Pfitzer

She was born in Corinth, MS, the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Frink. Her father was a Baptist minister and farmer. He planted cotton and 8 churches in northeast Mississippi. She graduated from Corinth High School (1940) and Corinth Commercial College.

For those growing up in the Depression era, jobs with the Tennessee Valley Authority were lucrative. She went to work for TVA in 1942 in Chattanooga. At the age of 19, she was their youngest employee. She was secretary to Ashford Todd (Director, Land Acquisition). Her next assignments were Camden, Savannah, and Jasper, TN. She was transferred back to Chattanooga to work in the Department of Power. She worked for several attorneys on the elite 8th floor. Her favorite boss was James Watson, who later became Manager of Power. She was issued the agency’s first electric typewriter, and survived! Going on field trips with attorneys on the TVA plane was an adventure.

She met her future husband, August Charles (Gus) Pfitzer, while he was working as an engineer in the Division of Power and Construction. Due to nepotism, her next job was with the prominent law firm of Coffey, Durand and Coffey. Her career as an executive secretary ended in 1951 when Gus was recalled to active duty with the Navy during the Korean War. It was a time when God surely directed their path, making lifetime friendships. They lived in Charleston, SC in the historic home of the Riley sisters; their nephew Joe would later be mayor of Charleston. Their favorite place was Newport, RI and they explored all of Boston.

Maxine had a great need for adventure. Her wanderlust brought about experiences with many places and people. While working for TVA, she became acquainted with the CEO of the Electric Power Board, States Rights Finley. He tried to help his young adventurous friend get approved for overseas duty with the Red Cross or USO, but her birth certificate lacked one year! She borrowed money for her first great adventure, a cruise to Cuba with friend/mentor Helen Girton.

Later, with no camping experience, a pop-up camper was bought for a family trip to EXPO67 in Montreal. Summer vacations were spend on the white sands of the Miracle Strip, and there were many family reunions during spring break times. After Gus’ retirement, many trips at home and abroad were made. A lasting memory was to the village of Sondernaeu, Germany, the birthplace of Gus’ great-grandfather, Johannes Pfitzer. Prayers of thanksgiving were said in our ancestors’ Catholic church. Detailed travelogues of all trips were written to share with friends to walk in their footsteps.

Together she and Gus organized the first Navy reunion in 1982. As the numbers increased, so did the strong bond of love and friendship for over 50 years. She and daughter Jane attended the last few reunions together. She used her love of writing letters to keep in touch with family and friends.

Being an activist for causes dear to her heart, letters of praise or protest were her passion. One example was years of letters to Gov. Cuomo to pardon Jean Harris. Her parting inscription might be that she is now lying under the only stone she ever left unturned! Gus and Maxine’s years of working together on genealogy resulted in 7 books of family history/memories. With much opposition to the building of the Tennessee Aquarium, she and Gus met with the first small group of supporters on the banks of the river. She added enthusiasm for restoration of the Walnut Street Bridge.

She refined her writing skills by years of contributions to Bill Casteel’s ByLine column in the Chattanooga Times. He coined the phrase “Maxine Pfitzer’s Clipping Service”.

She and her late husband were charter members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. They were pioneers in the area of recycling newspaper. There was an ongoing building fund, and the LWML raised enough money to pay for the sidewalks. Contributions were kept in the Pfitzer carport, much to the dismay of their neat neighbors! Luncheons with friendships over 50 years were held each summer. They called themselves “Ladies of the Club”.

Maxine’s legacy was to try, by example, to pass on to us the peace that comes from a deep faith in God and the heritage of a loving family. She walked on the sunny side of street and put a positive spin on every situation. She never met a stranger, and random acts of kindness added to her incredible generous spirit and big loving heart. She shared small gifts of love with those close to her heart and many worthy causes. A favorite charity of hers was assisting the Zulu children in Durban, South Africa learn about Christ. Her credo: “Life is good; God is good!”

She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, LWML, Auxiliary of MOAA (military officers); TVA Retirees Association.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, August C. Pfitzer, her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Frink, brother David A. Frink and sister Maude F. Faires.

Survivors include her children, Charles D Pfitzer (Anne) of Bala Cynwyd, PA; Jane P Garrett (Steve) of Hendersonville, TN; Steven P Pfitzer (Stephanie) of Birmingham, AL and grandchildren: Stephen, David and Patrick Garrett; Kathleen, Rebekah, and Sarah Anne Pfitzer.

The family will receive friends today (Tuesday) from 5 PM to 8 PM at the East Chapel. A service celebrating Maxine’s life will be held Wednesday at 11 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Rev. Gilbert Pingel, Rev. Clifford Herd and Deacon Kent Kressenberg officiating. Burial will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery.