Maxie Bray Honeycutt

Maxie Bray Honeycutt, age 100 and a long-time Durham resident, passed away on January 30, 2025. Maxie had resided at the Hillcrest Convalescent Center in Durham for several years.

Maxie was born January 28, 1925, in Bear Creek, NC, to her parents, Ava Cox Bray and Lee Noy Bray, who predeceased her. She is survived by her son, Michael Honeycutt, and son-in-law, Paul Pasquarella of Durham. One of five siblings, Maxie was predeceased by her two brothers, Curtis Bray and Carl Bray, and her sister, Dorothy Maness. She is survived by her beloved sister Henrietta Taylor of Bear Creek. Maxie is also survived by her sister-in-law Jerry Boles of Cary, seven nieces, five nephews, and their families whom she treasured.

Maxie was a devoted and proud member of First Presbyterian Church in Durham for sixty-plus years. She was a member of the Women of the Church, Women’s Circle, and Day Timers. Maxie was a long-time church office volunteer. In addition, she was awarded a First Presbyterian Women of the Church Honorary Life Membership in 1997. Maxie was a great believer in “giving back,” and she volunteered with the Duke Host Homes program, the Giftique at the then Durham Regional Hospital (she was named Volunteer of the Year in 2004), and Durham Urban Ministry.

Maxie worked at First Presbyterian Church for ten-plus years as the Financial Secretary. She then worked at Duke Divinity School in the Financial Aid Office and Course of Study School. Maxie retired in 1990 and enjoyed thirty-two years of good health and independence. She was blessed to have more time with her family, especially her two sisters, her wide circle of friends, time for volunteer and church activities, and time spent in her yard tending her plants and flowers. 

Maxie’s life was enriched in her final years by her family, her friends, her church family, her neighbors both on Maryland Avenue and at the Oaks of Hope Valley, and particularly by the professional and caring staff of the Fieldstone Crossing and Pinehurst Place units along with the entire Hillcrest Convalescent Center staff.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Durham on Saturday, March 1 at 11:00 am. Her ashes will be interred in a family graveside service at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Bear Creek at a later time.

The best memorial or tribute anyone could pay to Maxie’s life would be to be kind to one another, listen to one another, and lend a helping hand whenever possible. She was a strong believer in the work of the First Presbyterian Church Walk-In Ministry, and anyone so inclined might honor her with a contribution to that ministry. Checks would be made payable to First Presbyterian Church Walk-In Ministry with Maxie Honeycutt on the memo line and mailed to First Presbyterian Church 305 East Main Street Durham, NC 27701.

The family has been under the gracious care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Home.