Maxine Elizabeth Taylor Ross, age 92, of Blue Ridge, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Affectionately known as "Nan" by her grandchildren, she was born March 20, 1931, in Fry, GA, to Elmer A. Taylor, Sr. and Ida Beatrice Elliott Taylor. She grew up in McCaysville and Epworth GA and graduated Salutatorian from Epworth High School. She worked in supervision at Levi Straus and served many years with the American Cancer Society. She was a long-time, faithful member of Epworth First Baptist Church, serving in many capacities over the years. She especially loved her JOY Sunday School Class and the Quilting Ministry, making and delivering hundreds of prayer quilts and blankets over the years.

Maxine was a child born in the depression, who lived through WW2. Her childhood was defined by her large and very close-knit family, who she loved fiercely. Large family gatherings, even later in life, were just not to be missed. Maxine's house became "home" for the next generation of relatives who still wanted to go home. Friends coming to visit, or going to visit was a weekly event, and anyone dropping by was welcomed. There was always coffee and a cake in the panty for guests, even un-announced. You didn't leave without eating, and if you stayed till Sunday, you would be going to church with her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 63 years, Kenneth Young Ross; siblings, Malise Ashworth (Raymond), Chesley Taylor (Shirley), Buddy Taylor (Connie), Peggy Slaton (Bill) and Tommy Taylor.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Rita Ross of Cleveland, TN and Gary and Susan Ross of Douglasville, GA; grandchildren and spouses, Shelly and Ken Pope, Luke and Marcy Ross, and Brett and Lindsay Ross; great grandchildren, Landon and Alyssa Pope, Cayley and Lauren Ross, and Stella, Bennett and Ivey Ross; siblings, Elmer Alexander Taylor, Jr. (Rose), Betty Fox (Darrel), and Ricky Taylor (Choly); sisters-in-law, Jonnie Ross and Betty Ross; and many other family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM from Epworth First Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Jordan and Rev. Chris Clark officiating. Music was provided by Rev. Doug Simonds and Rev. Ken Bennett. Interment followed in Epworth FBC Cemetery. Pallbearers were Luke Ross, Brett Ross, Ken Pope, Landon Pope, Greg Livingston, and Lee Livingston. Honorary pallbearers were the JOY Sunday School Class, Darrell Fox, Mike Campbell, Bill Turpin, Mike Ballew, Tony Thrasher, BJ Taylor, Bill Jones, Ronnie Kimsey, James Nicholson and the deacons of Epworth First Baptist Church.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill, TN was in charge of arrangements.