Helen Maude Maddox

Friday, December 24, 2021.

Born in Creston, SC and was one of 5 children. She graduated from Winthrop University with a

double degree in Biology and Physical Education. She taught high school Physical Education in

Greenwood, SC where she met Luther Maddox, the football coach at Greenwood High. They

married and loved two children while living a devoted life to each other for 59 years before his

passing.

Throughout Maude’s life she has held many titles in different seasons including daughter, wife,

mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, teacher,

coach, volunteer, tutor, treasurer, gardener, provider, giver, story teller, and entertainer. One title

holds to be the most precious of all, Child of God.

Her devotion to God led her to fulfill many roles He called her to. She said she saw her role in

life to do at least one good deed each day. Being a long-time church member at First Baptist

Church on Cleveland Street gave her many opportunities to do so many good deeds through

teaching Sunday School, tutoring children, helping take flowers to shut-ins and sick, serving as

one of the first woman deacons, and attending all the senior trips.

Being a PE teacher for so many years instilled in her a very active lifestyle she carried into each

day of her life. Athletics were important to her in many different aspects. She was an athlete,

she coached athletes, and she cheered for all the athletes she loved. From Furman football and

basketball, to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events she was a devoted

fan and always wanted all the details from the games she missed.

Maude was preceded in death by her beloved husband Luther J Maddox. She is survived by

her two children Diane Maddox Wyatt, her husband Grady - and their children Whitney Wyatt

Merck (Drew) and Dorsey Wyatt Ward (Chris); and Thomas Luther Maddox and his wife Beth -

and their children Braxton Maddox (Caroline), McKenzie Maddox Guinan (TJ) and Barrett

Maddox (Hope). Maude has 12 great grandchildren, Hannah, Amma, Molly Blair, Reid, Wyatt,

Mallie, Gibson, Trenton, Marshall, Toby, Landon, and Maddox - and one great-great grandchild,

Bowen. And her favorite great grand dog, Ziggy.

Maude lived the final decade of her life at the Sarah Gossett Home for ladies, where she had

previously volunteered for over 25 years. Her friends there quickly became her second family.

Her surviving relatives all believe strongly that her residence at SGH added years to her life.

They provided a warm, nurturing, and loving home while also allowing her to keep her

independence and her drive to live her life to the fullest. The family would like to thank and

express their gratitude to all of Maude’s Sarah Gossett loved ones for their devotion and

friendship which was shared with Maude through the years.

During the last years on this side of heaven she was asked repeatedly by doctors, nurses, and

caretakers, new friends and old, “What is the secret to a long and healthy life?” Her answer was

always simply repeated to all who inquired:

“Love God

Eat Well

Sleep Well

Exercise

&

Do Good”

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life at First Baptist Greenville located at

847 Cleveland Street, Greenville on Thursday, December 30th at 11am in the main sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sarah Gossett Home, 27 Conestee Avenue

Greenville, SC 29605

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Maddox family.