Maxine Norton Cooley

Maxine Norton Cooley, age 89, passed away peacefully at Lynnwood Senior Care in Laurel, MS on May 23, 2025 after a long illness. Maxine was born on January 12, 1936 to Archie T. and Letha Pyror Norton in Laurel, MS. She was the youngest of her siblings and grew up in the Myrick community and graduated from Myrick High School in 1954. Maxine married Preston Cooley in 1959 and they moved to Sandersville, MS in 1963 where they raised their family. She was very involved in many activities at Sandersville Baptist Church and in the community involving her children. Maxine enjoyed gardening, both vegetables and flowers; canning; cooking; and sharing recipes with her sisters, nieces, and friends. Preceding her in death was her husband of 61 years, Preston Cooley; her parents, Archie and Letha Norton; her sisters, Opal Gatlin and Dorothy Jean Pitts; her brothers, Floyd Norton, Ernest (Mutt) Norton, J. T. Norton, and Kernell Norton. Maxine is survived by her three sons; Joseph “Joey” P. Cooley, Jr. (Angie), Paul Cooley, and Darryl Cooley (Johnna); by her eight grandchildren: Kate Cooley Khatam (Ryan), Joseph “Chip” P. Cooley, III (Anastasia), Jess Cooley (fiancée, Jeanne Torp), Peyton Cooley, Connor Cooley, Caiden Cooley, Parker Rae Cooley, and Mary Mac Cooley; and her brothers-in-law: Fred W. Cooley (Margaret) and Charles E. Buchanan, and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Norton Holifield, Grant Staples, Garrick Staples, Charlie Buchanan, Simmy Cooley, Peyton Cooley, Chip Cooley and Jess Cooley. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Norton, Fred Norton, David Cooley, Connor Cooley and Fred Cooley. The family wishes to thank Darlene Hill, her devoted caregiver over these last few years for her love, support, and compassion with her care. We are also thankful to Nila Conn RN and her staff at Lynnwood Senior Care for their care and compassion over these last four years. Also, the family appreciates Dr. Jack Evans, her physician, and the nurses and staff of Gentiva Hospice for their care. Services will be held at Memory Chapel on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the service will be at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Sandersville Cemetery. Bro. Wesley Page and Mr. Steve Harris will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Glory House (thegloryhouse.org) or your favorite charity or organization. To sign the online guest book, visit: www.memorychapellaurel.com

Maxine Norton Cooley

January 12, 1936 - May 23, 2025