Sarah Beth Burchfield Maxwell, 73, of Monticello, passed from this earth Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Beth was a native of Crossett but spent her last 35 years as a resident of Monticello. She graduated from Crossett High School in 1969, UAM in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and had a long career as a teacher in the Monticello School District. She would never be far from a football field as she was a Crossett Eaglet, a UAM cheerleader, a Razorback supporter and the No.1 Billie fan. Her Lord gifted her with an ardent heart, lungs that could carry across the field, and a laugh that would warm your soul.
Beth was the co-founder of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring, along with her husband, Tommy Maxwell, where she served as Vice-President of the company. She used her teaching skills in training and development, which was key to the success and growth of the company. She was an instrumental supporter of NOFMA from the early years, believing strongly in its mission. She co-wrote the one and only NOFMA Flooring Sidematcher manual, which is used in mills across the country today. She worked tirelessly to help support the people who worked for the company and loved them dearly.
Beth was a member of First United Methodist Church of Monticello. She served the Lord steadfastly. She was a fervent prayer warrior and showed His love to others in every way she could.
In 2023, she finished her 31st year of supporting the Monticello High School football team and coaches, delivering over 25,000 candy bars, encouraging messages, constant prayers, and her testimony of Jesus in her life. She spoke words of wisdom over more than a generation of young men in Drew County.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ecil and Sadie Gibbs Burchfield, a brother Kenneth Burchfield, niece, Ophelia ''Opie'' Baker, and her grandparents, Lonnie and Dora Lee Gibbs and Leroy and Ophelia Burchfield.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Thomas Vance Maxwell, daughter Kristi Prince (Dustin), son, Thomas Wilson ''Wil'' Maxwell, her four grandchildren, Sarah Marie Prince, Rachel Lee Prince, Adelyn Elizabeth Maxwell, and Andrew Wilson Maxwell, all of Monticello; a sister, Melonie Fineout (Tommy), of Sulphur Springs, Texas; nieces, Ana (Jesse) Lemons, of Plano, Texas, Lily (Drew) Payne of Little Rock, and nephew, John Thomas Fineout of Odessa, Texas.
She had many special friends, a wonderful small group, and a community that she touched forever. The family would like to issue a special thank you to her loving and caring caregivers, Shannon Pace, Mae Lee Miller, Cherry Miller, Liz Jones, Deonnia Brown, Laura Briseno and Lily Briseno.
Serving as active pallbearers are Blake Maxwell, Jon Schell, Dr. Michael Fakouri, Derrick Johnson, Jonathan Bryant, Brian Hargis, Reggie Binns and Kerwin Coleman. Honorary pallbearers are Coach Johnny McMurry, Coach Van Paschall, Coach Buck James, Coach Marty Davis, Coach Rick Young, Coach Greg Tiner, Coach Robbie Coplin, Coach Randy Harvey, Coach Seth Oxner and Coach Imani Riley.
Celebration of Life Services for Beth were 2 p.m. Sunday, January 21, 2024, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Brian Diffee and Rev. Lori Fallon officiating. A reception was held immediately following the service at 3 p.m. in the Church's Family Life Center. Memorials may be made to the Billie Foundation Fund, First United Methodist Church and Hope Place.
