Maxine Godwin Penny

She was raised on a farm, active in church growing up, was valedictorian of her class and even played on the state championship winning basketball team at Clayton High School. Maxine and AC were church friends and childhood sweethearts. He became the love of her life and they were married on September 9, 1956, and raised their family of 3 children in Clayton, NC. In later years, you could pop by their house any time and find them in their matching outfits and recliners, Maxine in her sparkles, watching The Price is Right or Andy Griffith, while doing crosswords together.

Maxine was a lifelong member at Amelia Christian Church, and any time the doors were open, you would find Maxine & AC present and in full support. She enjoyed sharing her skills through her role as Financial Secretary and many other committees, although anyone who sat near her in church will lovingly tell you she left the singing and musical support to her children and grandchildren.

Anyone that was ever lucky enough to taste one of Maxine’s delicious desserts will say she was the best baker around - especially known for her famous pound cake! She instilled that love for both making and tasting sweets in her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Her meticulous organization and planning skills also were passed on… although it may have missed a few family members.

“Nana” loved her ever-growing family, and she and Papa would beam with joy every time they would all gather at the house on Hamby Street. They raised their children in that home, welcomed grandchildren who would walk there after school for a milkshake or a nap, and welcomed every new great-grandbaby as excitedly as the ones before them. This home was also the scene for gatherings to host ice cream socials and card games with friends and family, always accompanied by a spread of snacks and “gold bottles” of diet coke.

In her later years as Alzheimer’s dimmed her memory, her family is very thankful for the village of caregivers that loved on her and provided for her care both in her home and later at the Enclave at Eaglepoint.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband AC Penny, as well as her grandson Seth Langdon, and son-in-law, Charles Moss. She is survived by: daughters, Debbe Langdon and her husband Benny, Teresa Pourron and her husband Wayne; a son, Dean Penny and his wife Cathy; sister LaRue Butler; grandchildren, Nicole Langdon (Seth), Hannah Smith, Rachel Langdon, Laine Horton and husband Todd, Emily Dupree and husband Matt, Matt Penny and wife Emily, Elizabeth Brame and husband Mack, Michael Penny and wife Megan; 18 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday June 11, 2026 at 3:00 pm in the Amelia Christian Church Sanctuary with Pastor Brandon Patterson officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 2:00 pm in the Amelia Church Fellowship Hall. The interment will follow the service at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

While flowers are accepted, memorial contributions may be made to Amelia Christian Church Building Fund,1696 Amelia Church Rd, Clayton, NC 27520; or online at Amelia CC. Donations may also be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).