Gloria Maxine Stancil Wood|
Gloria Maxine Stancil Wood
Maxine was born Oct. 29, 1926, and died Nov. 23, 2016. She married Charles Woodward Moore in 1946. She married Willard Levi Burgess in 1950, George Edward “Eddie” Wilson in 1963, John M. Sweeney in 1969, Willard Levi Burgess in 1972, and James “Jim” Pennington Wood in 1990.
| Maxine's child with Charles Moore |
| Charles “Chuck” Woodward Moore II |
|
With Willard Levi Burgess |
|
Timothy “Tim” Levi Burgess Nov. 13, 1952 Chattanooga, TN-April 13, 2011 Chattanooga, TN |
Gloria Maxine Stancil Wood was born on October 29, 1926, in Nashville, North Carolina, as the fourth child and first daughter of Leumos and Sarah Ethel Harros Stancil. Her father, Leumos, had moved the family to Nashville two years before her birth to start selling Rawleigh products, which included ointments, internal liniment, spices, and extracts. Often, Leumos waited until their tobacco crop was in to get paid.
Maxine had four siblings: James “Jimmy” Harding Stancil, Paul Edwin Stancil, Harold Stancil, and Billie Jean Stancil. When Maxine was born, her grandmother Minnie sent Leumos’ sister, 14-year-old Mozelle, to help Ethel. Maxine grew up knowing some of her extended family as her parents rented a large two-story house and rented out rooms. Among the tenants were her first cousins Emmette and his wife Dessie Stancil, along with their son Emmette Jr., and another cousin Ralph, Emmette’s brother. Both cousins were door-to-door salesmen, selling religious books.
When Maxine was 3½ years old, Leumos decided to move the family to Tennessee for a healthier climate, as recommended by Ethel’s doctor, who diagnosed her with pellagra. Untreated, this condition caused dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and even death. It was years before it was discovered that a deficiency of niacin caused pellagra. Leumos sent Ethel and the five children on the train to Chattanooga, while he drove the Model T the 650 miles with Spot, the family Pit Bull, riding behind the headlight.
In 1934, Maxine got reacquainted with her cousin Ralph Stancil, who visited them on his way from California to Kenly, North Carolina. Ralph, a cowboy, arrived on a Greyhound bus, impressing Maxine and her siblings with his boots, chaps, western shirt, and hat. When Maxine was 13, she attended her Grandpa Josiah Stancil’s funeral and burial in Johnston County, North Carolina.
Maxine graduated from Chattanooga High School and met Charles Woodward Moore while they both worked for the Dupont Plant that made nylon. Chattanooga, known as the Dynamo of Dixie in the 1940s, was a leading industrial city. Charles, originally from Tennessee, had enlisted in the Army at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, on April 2, 1943, and served until June 3, 1946. Maxine and Charles became engaged, and Leumos and Ethel hosted a home wedding on June 26, 1946. Their son, Charles “Chuck” Woodward Moore Jr., was born on May 22, 1948. However, Maxine and Charles grew apart and divorced in 1949, with Charles moving to Chicago.
Claude and Verona Lancaster Burgess moved their family from a farm in Alcorn, Mississippi, to Chattanooga while their son Willard Levi was in the Navy. Willard enlisted in the Navy on November 26, 1942, and was discharged on November 24, 1945. He moved to Chattanooga after his discharge, where he met Maxine. They fell in love and married around 1951. Willard welcomed stepson Chuck into his life, and Maxine and Willard had one son, Timothy Levi Burgess, born on November 13, 1952, in Chattanooga.
Maxine and Willard encouraged Chuck to join first the Cub Scouts and then the Boy Scouts. He excelled, earning many badges. When he was just 12, he became an Eagle Scout, the youngest ever in Tennessee.
Maxine had a history of severe allergies; around 1961, she moved her sons to Florida, hoping the climate would improve her health. The family joined the Plantation Baptist Church in South Florida.
Maxine worked in an aeronautical factory in South Florida, assembling electric aircraft gauges that were placed in the instrument panels of helicopters. Maxine loved music boxes and had a wonderful collection. She was a big fan of pop star Connie Francis, an Italian American who sang in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Connie was named Top Female Vocalist for six consecutive years by Cashbox, Billboard, and Jukebox Operators of America. Some of her memorable songs were: “Who’s Sorry Now,” “Everybody Is Somebody’s Fool,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Where the Boys Are.” She also starred in that movie.
In 1976, in honor of her father, Maxine became an active member of the American Legion. She was a member for over 40 years and served as the local President. She often spoke at local high schools, teaching students about America, U.S. history, and patriotism. Her father, Leumos, joined the U.S. Army in September 1917. The USA entered WWI in April 1917. He was a Wagoner in France, responsible for transporting supplies by wagon and taking care of the horses. He drove wagons filled with ammunition to the front lines and served until April 1919.
Maxine and Willard divorced in Florida. Maxine was a good cook. Chuck loved her Coconut Cream Pie, his favorite. She made her mother’s famous Sweet Potato Pie and passed this recipe down to Chuck, Tristan, and Nick, along with the iron skillets necessary to use when making this special pie! Maxine’s turkey dressing recipe was wonderful too and often requested.
She found lasting happiness with James “Jim” Pennington Wood. They married on January 21, 1990. Maxine took pride in her home. It was beautifully decorated and always ready to welcome guests. Maxine and Jim joined the First Baptist Church of Ft. Lauderdale. Maxine enjoyed country music and dancing.
In 2013, when her niece Anne visited, Maxine took her on an airboat tour of the Everglades. They saw turtles, snakes, many water birds, an Alligator Wrestling Show, and rode across the River of Grass. Recently, when Jim began having memory problems, Maxine became his caregiver. She made sure all his needs were met and worried about him when she entered the hospital and then hospice. For 26 years, they shared a loving and committed relationship. After Maxine’s death, Jim’s son made arrangements for Jim’s care. Tristan visited her a few days before she died.
When Maxine’s name is mentioned in Broward County, Florida, members of the American Legion know her as the lady who went the extra mile to support veterans and make sure they received the recognition they deserved. Maxine will be remembered for the special loving relationship she had with her grandsons, Tristan and Nick. They were never far from her thoughts. She shared family history with them and they made her so proud!
Tristan and Nick had a special name for their grandmother, “Mamaw.” Tristan shared, “You know Mamaw was our biggest cheerleader. We could do no wrong in her eyes, except to eat with our elbows on the table. She helped teach us about respect, manners, and unconditional love (both from her and from Jesus). My memories mostly consist of ‘skip-bo’ games, delicious meals, and long storytelling sessions full of history and wisdom. Sharing what can only be gained from 90 years of grit through an incredible period of US history.” Tristan recalled her favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art.” He still remembers her voice singing it.
Maxine passed away at the age of 90 on November 23, 2016, in hospice care near Fort Lauderdale. Her life was celebrated at Heritage Funeral Home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on December 6, 2016, with a service conducted by her nephew, The Rev. David Michael Stancil, pastor of Sequoyah Baptist Tabernacle in Hixson, Tennessee. The scripture he read was II Timothy 4:6-8, which speaks of fighting the good fight, finishing the course, and keeping the faith. Several family members shared memories of Maxine, including her grandson Tristan and her brother Paul, 93, whose memories touched every heart.
Maxine’s favorite hymns, “In the Garden” and “Take My Hand,” were sung by Allen Brooks, the husband of Maxine’s niece, Debra Sue. David gave a touching eulogy, and at the conclusion of the service, Debra Sue, Allen, and Elizabeth Langston Pierce sang “How Great Thou Art.” Elizabeth is Maxine’s great-niece. Following her burial beside her Aunt Mary Harris McAlister in Chattanooga Memorial Park Cemetery, the family gathered for food, fellowship, and remembrance at the home of her niece, Anne Stancil Langston, in Chattanooga.
Maxine was preceded in death by her son Timothy Levi Burgess, sister Billie Jean Stancil Rowles, brothers James “Jimmy” Harding Stancil and Harold Stancil, niece Gayle Lee Rowles McKane, and nephew Phillip Anthony Stancil.
| www.stancilreunion.com Contact Us |