Laura Jean Maxwell, 82, of Columbia, SC, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Born in Richland County, South Carolina, on April 18, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Christie Douglas Brown and Myrtis Mae Brown.

Laura Jean was the loving and devoted wife of 62 years to MSgt James Lewis Maxwell, US Air Force (R). Their love was both deep and enduring and obvious to those who knew them.

Laura Jean graduated from Dentsville High School and dedicated herself to being a homemaker, mother, and wife. She was a kind soul who took great pride in being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Jean was also not afraid to speak her mind and tell you how she felt. Feisty in nature and loving in heart. She will be fondly remembered for finding beauty, joy, and God in the simple things in life and in nature.

In addition to her loving and devout husband, she is survived by her children; Durham Lewis Maxwell, Gregory Keith Maxwell, and Melanie Graham; her grandchildren, Shelby Durham Maxwell, Lucas James Maxwell-Birch, James Christopher Bell and Michael Leland Bell, brothers; Willam J. Brown, Christie Larry Brown, Johnny Bruce Brown; and six great grandchildren.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her brothers, Walter Douglas Brown and Thomas Grady Brown; her dear friend and sister-in-law, Ruby Virginia Nettles Brown; and her granddaughter, Pamela Allison Maxwell.

The funeral service for Mrs. Maxwell will be held at 1 o'clock, on Monday, November 6th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Burial will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12 o'clock at the funeral home.