Virginia Maxine Ashby was born to the late Roy Ottice Evans and Jennie Beal Evans on October 15, 1945, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  She ascended to her heavenly home on Friday, March 22, 2025, after an extended illness in Kannapolis, North Carolina surrounded by her loving family and friends.

She was educated in the Forsyth County School System, graduating from Carver High School.  She was employed at F.W Woolworth over for 25 years and later retired at Target Retail Store in Winston Salem.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Cohen Ashby; and her four siblings, brother-Jamie Lee Evans and Margaret Evans, John and sister-in-law Martha Evans, sister-Lillie Mae Powell, brother Roy Ottice Evans and sister-in-law, Easter Evans, and Margaret Evans.

She leaves to cherish loving memories two daughters, Arona Corinna Ashby of Kannapolis, NC and Jennie Ashby Hawkins of Winston Salem, NC; son-in-love, Selwyne Browne and wife, Marta Browne of Wesley Chapel, FL; two grandsons, Dedrick Hawkins and Joshua Hawkins of Charlotte; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted daughters, and sons.

Maxine (Ms. Virginia) was an extraordinary woman, and it's difficult to fully express just how amazing she was. She had this remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel loved, cared for, and valued. Her strength was unwavering, yet she always carried herself with gentleness and compassion. She gave freely and selflessly, always putting the needs of others before her own.
As a chartered and founding member of Carver Road Christian Church, she was a beloved part of her church family. Her faith was a guiding light, and she always sought to uplift others with her kindness and giving spirit. She truly will be remembered as "Miss Christmas," with a heart that shines brightly during the holiday season and throughout the year. Her generosity and love for others, especially during Christmas, made every holiday feel special and magical.  Sadly, as her health declined, she truly missed her church family. The connection and community she found there were so important to her, and it was clear that being part of that family meant the world to her. Despite her struggles, her love for her church and the people in it never wavered.

Her wisdom, love, and guidance shaped those around her, and her legacy of kindness will continue to inspire.  We are incredibly fortunate to have had such a remarkable woman in our lives. Her spirit will always live on in the memories of everyone she touched.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Friday at the Chapel.