Laura Maxine Anderson Romine, 93, of Florence passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at her residence. Maxine is now resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior. She was the descendent of early pioneers Philemon Gresham and Peter Fulmer. Maxine was born in her grandmother and granddaddy Anderson''s home in Mars Hill on July 7, 1915, the oldest child of 6 children. As a child she grew up in west Lauderdale County and was a 1937 graduate of Central High school. She was a long time faithful member of Mars Hill Church of Christ. Maxine met the love of her life when she was working at Negley Hotel and Earl was working as a jailer for her uncle Edgar Fulmer who was the Sheriff at the time. She and Earl married on March 29, 1940. Five years later they had a lovely daughter Charlotte, then about three years later their son Tom was born. She worked about four years at Rogers at the Notions counter when her husband Earl was appointed Sheriff in January of 1955. They moved to an apartment at the Lauderdale County Jail. She bought all of the food for the jail and she oversaw meals served to the prisoners. She was a devoted Law Enforcement wife, sister, mother, daughter, and grandmother. As a couple Maxine and Earl had many friends and after Earl''s retirement he was a proud associate of Elkins Funeral Home. He and Maxine met Stanley and Mildred Elkins during the time Earl ran for Sheriff and Stanley ran for Coroner. Their friendship has lasted for years. Earl was a great supporter of Elkins Funeral Home and with all his friends.
Maxine''s funeral will be Friday afternoon on February 13, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Elkins Funeral Home, Cory Collins officiating. The family will receive friends in the parlor from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. with burial to follow at Greenview Memorial Cemetery.
Maxine was a charter member and the 1st President of the Ladies Auxiliary Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3 where she was very active. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Alabama Sheriff and Peace Officers. Both Earl and Maxine were involved with Betterhalves of Provost Guard Cahaba Shrine Club. She retired from Humana Florence Hospital after 17 years. In the late 1950''s, Maxine was the treasurer and a charter member of Muscle Shoals Association for retarded children. She was instrumental in starting the first classes for handicapped children in the Shoals area, resulting in the establishment of Hope Haven.
She is preceded in death by her parents Robert Henry Anderson and Essie Amanda Fulmer Anderson, her loving husband of 48 years James Earl Romine, son James Thomas Romine, son-in-law John Winchester, granddaughter Laura Ellen Winchester, brothers Robert Fulmer Anderson and Gene Tunney Anderson, sisters Mary Alice Winters and Geraldine Womble, grandparents George Washington Fulmer and Alice Nancy Bevis Fulmer.
She is survived by her sister Helen McMillan, daughter Charlotte Romine Winchester and granddaughter Martha Erin Winchester who affectionately called Maxine "Granny". She had 13 nieces and nephews and granddog Schuby.
Charlotte would like Jean Isley, Bruce Lewter, Helen Shelby and Doug Pate to know how much she appreciates all the care and love shown to her mother.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in loving memory of Maxine to J. Earl Romine Memorial Scholarship Fund at UNA or to the charity of one''s choice.
Pallbearers will be nephews. Honorary pallbearers are Ralph Jackson, Lawrence Alexander, Billy Valentine and Thurman Howard.