Thelma Maxine Best

Thelma Maxine Coley, affectionately known as “Maxine” was born on April 9, 1917 in Goldsboro North Carolina to loving parents Levi and Laurina Coley. Maxine spent her formative years living in Norfolk Virginia under the loving care of her aunt, where she gained a great foundation and an early love for education. Upon graduating high school she attended Winston Salem State University and later matriculated to NYU where she completed her graduate-level studies. With a profound purpose and deep love for teaching, she embarked on a career in elementary education, dedicating over 30 years of her life to this noble profession. Her services in education extended from North Carolina, to the greater Washington DC area where she became one of the first black teachers in Montgomery County Maryland.

Throughout her life, Maxine remained a woman of unwavering faith, finding solace and fulfillment in her service to both St. John's Presbyterian Church (Goldsboro, NC) and Northeastern Presbyterian Church (Washington, DC). During her 40+ years of membership at Northeastern, she actively contributed to various church ministries, including the MAC’s, higher education ministry, adult council and served as a Trustee Board member for six years. Beyond her faith based associations, Maxine also belonged to a number of other social clubs.

Retirement ushered in a new chapter in Maxine’s life, one marked by love and companionship as she met and married her beloved husband, Levornie Best (Deceased), in 1979. Levornie, a retired real estate entrepreneur, and Maxine merged their families, enjoying a life of traveling and entertaining throughout their golden years. As the neighborhood socialites, Maxine and Levornie loved to host family and friends at their home, and embraced every opportunity to celebrate with loved ones. Throughout their travels together, they explored Greece, Hawaii, Alaska, South Africa, The Panama Canal and Japan to name a few.

Amongst her many roles and life-long accomplishments, being a grandmother to her 4 grandchildren and more recently 4 great-grandchildren was perhaps her favorite. She loved imparting her wisdom and instilling her strong values of faith, education and achievement to the younger generation. With 106 years of life experiences, strong principles, and a rich history, nothing brought a brighter smile to her face quite like hearing the endearing words “Grandma” or “GG”.

In her later years, Maxine proudly called the Riderwood Senior Living Community “home”, residing there for over a decade. Remaining true to her social nature she forged many friendships and lived to be the community's oldest resident. Throughout her time at Riderwood, she loved her weekly card games, attending services at the Riderwood Chapel, lively dinner time conversations with neighbors, and always looked forward to visits with family. Even in her final days, Maxine’s spirit remained vibrant as she laughed and joked with her nurses and caretakers, savoring every moment of good company. After a brief illness, Maxine transitioned to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday September 12, 2023 at the Casey House Hospice Center in Rockville Maryland.

Maxine was preceded in death by her beloved husband Levornie Best, her stepson Romaine Lee Best (Patricia Best), her Grandson Derrick Best and her cousins Jackie and Jean Cook.

After 106 blessed years of life, Maxine is survived by her two stepchildren: Jerome Best and Palenta Best-Hill (Michael Hill), as well as four grandchildren: Kevin Best, Keisha Hardge, Aaron Best (Ashley Best), and Brandon Best, along with four great-grandchildren: Brittany Best, Kevin Best Jr., Aiden Best, and Bruin Best. She is also survived by cousins: Carrie Hussey, Raynard Sessoms, Justin Sessoms, Jocelyn Mingo, Belva Newsome, John & Elaine Crocker, Thomasine Coley, Dr. James Coley, Paul Coley, Laura Jones and many other cherished, family and friends.