Maxine Dean Hutchens

Maxine Dean Hutchens, 85, of Apex, North Carolina, passed away on October 4, 2026. Born on October 25, 1940, in Braxton County, West Virginia, Maxine grew up the middle child among five brothers and one sister. She was known for her radiant smile, her contagious energy, and her remarkable ability to make people feel lighter simply by being near her.

Maxine made Apex her home for 59 years after moving there with her husband, Larry Hutchens, who preceded her in death in 2020. Together they built a life rooted in family, community, and joy. She was the devoted mother of Kelly Nicholson (Jamie) of Raleigh, Allyson Teem (David) of Bath, and Robert Hutchens, who also preceded her in death.

She was the proud grandmother of Dustin Hutchens, Tanner Hutchens (Renee), Bridget Newman, Jessica Parrish (Steven), and Hogan Teem, who passed away in 2012. She was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Lauren, Jason, Madison, Alex, and Raven. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Maxine retired from IBM in 2002. Outside of work, she embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. She was an avid gardener and loved freshwater fishing, especially for largemouth bass. In her mid-forties, she boldly decided to become a professional clown — a hobby that became one of her greatest joys. She performed at birthday parties, community events, and even at halftime of the Orange Bowl. Bringing smiles to others was her gift, and she treasured sharing that experience with her granddaughters, her daughter, and her son-in-law who also became clowns.

Maxine was a talented cook and baker who delighted in feeding large groups of family and friends. She was active in Eastern Star for more than fifty years and was endlessly creative — knitting, cross-stitching, painting, and trying any new craft that caught her eye. She approached every project with curiosity, determination, and her signature joyful spirit.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Kessel and Geraldine Dean; her sister, Patricia Baldwin; and her brothers Kenny, Robert, Bill, and Donald Dean. She is survived by her brother, David Dean.

A wake will be held at Apex Funeral Home on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The family invites friends to share memories and laughs at a Celebration of Life gathering on Friday evening at 6 pm at 480 Lake Eva Marie Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603. Guests are invited to dress in their best clown colors for the Wake and the Celebration of Life in honor of Maxine and the bold, joyful way she lived her life.

The family will have a graveside service in Gassaway, WV.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 3HC Home Health & Hospice Care, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Her legacy lives on in every smile she inspired, every life she touched, and every burst of color she brought into the world.