Maxine (McIntosh) Oldham Matthews

Maxine McIntosh Oldham Matthews, age 90, of Sanford, NC, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Central Carolina Hospital, with her family by her side.

She was born in Moore County, NC on January 14, 1935 to the late William Jackson McIntosh and Nova Alice Barber McIntosh.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands Norman T. Oldham, Gilbert Page Matthews; son Kenneth “Mark” Oldham and siblings Myrtle Beal, Lucille Tysinger, Ruby Hardy Gray and Julia Frye.

Maxine began her career with Robinson Bookkeeping Service in Jonesboro and then worked as the secretary for the Lee County Soil & Water Conservation District, retiring from there in 1997 after 26 years. Her support while her husband Norman was establishing Sanford Grading (now Sanford Contractors) was integral to its success. The family business just celebrated 50 years.

Maxine was a devoted Christian whose faith was evident in every aspect of her life. She was an active member of Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church, and she found great joy in her church community- singing in the choir, participating in her Circle group, attending various Bible studies, and chaperoning youth group trips when her children were young. Her love for family and fellowship was the heart of her life.  Family beach trips to Ocean Isle with her beloved husband Norman and their children were a treasured tradition during their younger years. In later years, she enjoyed traveling the country alongside her second husband, Gib. Maxine was one of six sisters, and the bond they shared was extraordinary. They cherished their time together and made intentional efforts to gather often just to visit with each other, celebrating the gift of sisterhood.

A proud and devoted grandmother, Maxine was her grandchildren’s biggest fan. Whether it was a dance recital, sporting event, or travel baseball tournament with the Sanford Spinners, she was there—cheering, supporting, and loving every moment. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren as well, who brought her immense joy in her later years.  Maxine found deep fulfillment in being a homemaker. She took pride in creating a warm, welcoming home where everyone felt comfortable and every holiday was thoughtfully celebrated, including extensive decorations. Christmas mornings were marked by her signature big, home cooked breakfast, and her yard in the Clearwater Forest Community—where she deeply loved living for over sixty years—was always beautifully maintained.

A collector of depression glass and pottery, she also had a fondness for hummingbirds, eagerly awaiting their return each year and faithfully keeping their feeders full. Known for her elegance and grace, Maxine was always impeccably dressed and put together, with matching shoes and handbag, embodying the classic charm of a kind, Southern lady. To know her was to witness a life of faith, love, and unwavering devotion to family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, and Christian values that will continue to impact all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by her children Donnie Oldham (Susan), Vicki Oldham Haislip (Tom); daughter-in-law Kristy Oldham; sister Lib Mangum (Wayne); grandchildren Richard Oldham (Jennifer), Jennifer Oldham Williams (Trey), Brooks Haislip, Alex Martin (Daniel), Makayla Oldham, Spencer Oldham; great-grandchildren Evelyn, Norman, Ann Blakely, Harrison, Renalds and Virginia.  She was blessed to also enjoy Gilbert’s family which includes daughters, Linda Matthews Wann, Carol Matthews McDonald; grandchildren, Erin Wann Allen (Grey), Alison Wann Arno (Luke), Logan McDonald (fiancé Heather Muller) and Charlotte McDonald (fiancé Kyle Crisp) and great-grandchildren Wesley Allen, Owen Allen and Davis Arno

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the fellowship hall of Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church.  The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Pastor Brian Charland officiating.  The burial will be private at Buffalo Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Jonesboro Heights Baptist Church, 316 West Main Street, Sanford, NC 27332.  

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