After a life well-lived for 94 years, we rise as a family to call her blessed. With both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of Maxine Elizabeth Gay, who departed this life on March 27, 2025.

Maxine was born on January 17, 1931, in Olive Hill, Kentucky, to Joe and Jennie B. Searight, who both preceded her in death. She lived with purpose, faith, and boundless love, touching the hearts of everyone she encountered.

From a young age, Maxine valued education. She began her studies in Olive Hill and continued learning after moving to Dayton, Ohio, where she attended Sinclair Community College and pursued security studies. She earned numerous awards and certifications, a testament to her dedication to personal growth. A hardworking and determined woman, she held positions at Dayton International Airport, McDonald’s, and the Montgomery County Cooperative Extension Program, earning admiration for her resilience, work ethic, and kindness.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of Faith Temple Pentecostal Church of God, Maxine was honored as the “Mother” of the church, a role she embraced with love, grace, and wisdom. Her unwavering devotion to God shone through in her prayers, acts of kindness, and the strength she instilled in her family and church community.

Maxine’s kitchen was a place of comfort, where she poured love into every dish. Her cooking was more than just a meal—it was an experience, bringing family and friends together in laughter, joy, and togetherness. She also found peace and fulfillment in gardening, tending to her flowers and plants with the same care and patience she showed to those she loved. She was never one to sit still, always eager to explore, travel, and embrace new adventures with an energy that stayed with her until the very end.

The last of seven siblings, Maxine held dear the cherished bonds she shared with her brothers and sisters. She was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Carlos Hord and Thomas Gay; her brothers, Frank, Edward, and Rodney Searight; her sisters, Mattie Botts, Margaret Botts, and Ovella Walker; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Maxine’s legacy lives on through the family she loved with all her heart:

• Children: Marquetta Gay, Phillip Gay, Patricia (David) Palmer, Tonya Gay, and Juan

• Grandchildren: Tameisha D. Hord, Marlaine Jones, Myron (Sophia) Banks, Maleeka Banks, Melvin Banks Jr., Corey Gay, Nikole Taylor, Nicholas Gay, Justin Gay, Jordan Gay, Jaylen Mack, Jaleel Mack, Melissa Gay, Thomas Gay Jr., and Juan A Gay.

• 40 great-grandchildren, a host of great-great-grandchildren, and countless relatives and dear friends who will continue to carry her love, wisdom, and spirit forward.

Her life was a testament to faith, resilience, and unconditional love, and her spirit will forever shine through those who were fortunate enough to know her.

A homegoing service honoring Maxine Elizabeth Gay will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Faith Temple Pentecostal Church of God, 1350 Kumler Avenue, Dayton, OH 45406.

• Visitation: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

• Funeral Service: 11:00 AM

• Interment: 1:00 PM at West Memory Gardens

Family and friends are invited to come together in love, remembrance, and celebration of the incredible life of Maxine Elizabeth Gay. As we share stories, laughter, and cherished memories, we honor a woman whose light will never fade.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her presence remains in our hearts, her wisdom in our minds, and her love in our souls.

Her legacy is everlasting.