Obituary of Sandra Tucker Maxwell

Sandra Lynn Tucker Maxwell, 81 of Salem, Virginia, died April 12, 2019 at Harmony Memory Care in Roanoke, Virginia, after years of decline with dementia.  She was born in Beckley, WVA on January 4, 1938 to Herman L. And Evelyn Burdiss Tucker.  She is survived by her sister, Nancy Rio Tucker St. Pierre of North Royalton, OH, and several cousins.  Mrs. Maxwell attended schools in Beckley, WVA, Bridgewater, VA and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Roanoke, VA in 1955.  She married Robert (Bob) Maxwell November 30, 1960, and they were married 51 years before his death in 2011. 

          Mrs. Maxwell worked for the Raleigh Register, C & P Telephone, Miller & Rhoades, Brooks, Smartwear, and several other retail stores.  In 1973, Mrs. Maxwell and her husband opened their own business, Maxwell’s Sewing Machine & Vacuum Cleaners on Grandin Road, Roanoke.  In 1985 Mrs. Maxwell applied to Hollins College’s Horizon program for nontraditional aged women, and she began her four year college undergraduate degree.  While a student she excelled in her writing through contributing a column to the campus newspaper, joining the staff of the yearbook, and writing a history of the Horizon program.  She graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in English.

          While at Hollins, Mrs. Maxwell wrote a skit for the 50th Congress of the Virginia Four-H which was presented at VIP/SU, and later the skit was given to the State 4-H as a teaching tool.  Mrs. Maxwell was a dedicated volunteer; she spent much of her time reading for the Voice of the Blue Ridge; singing with the Salem Senior Singers; serving as a Representative for the Voluntary Services at the Salem V.A.M.C. for two years; Commander of the Department of Virginia Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (2006-2007); Adjutant, Department of Virginia; Judge advocate; Unit 3 H.H.MAcKenzie DAVA Commander for three years.  Mrs. Maxwell was also a member of the community theatre, “Showtimers.”  She served as a board member of the Roanoke YMCA and in 1985 she attended the Trienellial YMCA national meeting in San Jose, CA.  Mrs. Maxwell liked to travel, visiting major cities of 23 states, and Montreal, Quebec as well as the Bahamas.

          A faithful member of St. James Episcopal Church, Roanoke, Virginia for over 30 years, she  served in many leadership roles including choir member, lector, chalicist,, writer of the Advent Pageants, a member of the Daughters of the King, and delegate to Diocesan Convention. 

          Mrs. Maxwell will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with a graveside service, the Rev. Susan E. Bentley presiding.  During the Sunday morning service on May 12, 2019, at St. James Episcopal Church, the choir anthem will be dedicated to Mrs. Maxwell.   Donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church or the SPCA.  Arrangement by Simpsons Funeral Home; a complete obituary online: https://simpsonfuneral.com.