Maxine McCoy Long Albertson
Maxine McCoy Long Albertson, lovingly referred to by many as “Jack” or “Red”, passed away surrounded by her daughters at her home, Friday March 24, 2023.
Maxine was born to a large close-knit family on May 21, 1934 in Murray County, Ga., living in the family home with her grandmother, Callie Jones, alongside her parents, Corbin and Donie Long, her brothers, Harold and Bogie Long, and Uncles Buford “Boot” and Ralph. Maxine’s childhood was shaped by fetching drinking water from the spring down the hill from the house, singing songs and making music on the porch with her family, and hunting rabbits to swap with the rolling grocery store; selling them for 25 cents per rabbit or often exchanging them for stick candy. In her childhood Maxine began her long and deeply devoted Southern Baptist faith, a relationship she would trust and lean on throughout her entire life.
While her education as a young child was intermittent, due to helping her family with crops on the farm, Maxine was very determined to learn. As a young adult she began working during the day at Cavalier Carpet and continued her education by attending classes at night. Maxine enrolled in a business school, taught by retired teacher Mrs. Harrington on Thornton Avenue in Dalton, Ga, and later went on to take typing courses at Dalton State College. Her career would eventually take her to work at Vulcan Chemical as office manager.
It is difficult to encapsulate 88 years of robustly lived life. Some of Maxine’s highlights are that she loved to travel, visiting all U.S. states except three; enjoyed singing and making music; had a knack for picking things up with ease, such as cards, horseshoes, sewing, and crocheting; was part of many bowling and softball leagues; a long-time lover of animals, nature, and camping; and a self-proclaimed day dreamer and eternal optimist.
The most constant pillar of importance in Maxine’s vibrantly colorful life was her family. She found immense joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was known to have an openly loving heart-of-gold for anyone who crossed her path, as shown by her awarded title of Ms. Congeniality from the Ms. Senior Georgia Pageant.
Maxine was preceded in death by her son, Alvin Dill and a brother, Bogie Long.
Maxine is survived by her children, Vickie Dill Bookhardt, Teresia (Steve) Dill Bass, and Bryan (Jackie) Dill; brother; Harold Long; grandchildren, Justin (Erin) Witt, Ashley (Jason) Boughner, Whittney Millsap, Bailey (Dominick) Genitempo; great-grandchildren, Owen Witt, Davis Witt, Eli Dailey, and Luke Dailey; and her beloved miniature Aussie, Joy.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 29, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Julian Peeples Funeral Home, Cleveland Hwy.
The celebration and memorial of Maxine’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 29, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home, Cleveland Hwy, with the Rev. Ronald Guffey officiating.
Interment will be held at Murray Memorial Gardens.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Maxine’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Messages of comfort may be sent to the family at www.julianpeeples.com.
Funeral arrangements are by Julian Peeples Funeral Home, Dalton. For more information, call (706) 259-7455.