Harneitha Elizabeth (Rice) Maxey

Harneitha Elizabeth (Rice) Maxey was born October 23, 1929 to the loving parents of Rodger and Margaret "Bessie" Rice and entered eternal life in Long Beach, Mississippi on August 29, 2005 at the age of 75. Harneitha (Rice) Maxey was born in Seneca, South Carolina just west of Clemson University. Harneitha Maxey obtained her education through various schools around the nation: Morris Brown in Atlanta, Bennett Liberal Arts College in Greensboro, North Carolina and Carol College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Having a passion for helping others she pursued a nursing career, which would lead her to the famous Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL. Her pursuit of a nursing career led her to her husband, Dr. Louis Maxey, who was completing a residency at the same hospital. Harneitha (Rice) Maxey would eventually move up to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and reside there for over 15 years. Cold weather would eventually push the family to Long Beach, Mississippi where Harneitha Maxey resided for more than 25 years. While on the Gulf Coast Harneitha Maxey assisted Dr. Louis Maxey in his private medical practice for over 15 years. Upon retirement of Dr. Louis Maxey's private practice she went to work for another local doctor in Gulfport, Mississippi where she would eventually retire from the nursing field in 2000. Harneitha Maxey's true testament of achievement was her devotion to family and her passion for helping others. This passion resulted in a very active role in the Gulf Coast community including being a member of numerous boards and organizations throughout the Gulf Coast: American Association of University Women, Harrison County Federation of Democratic Women, member of the board of directors of Coastal Family Health Center, Inc., Mississippi Gulf Coast Symphony Board and many other organizations far too numerous to name. Harneitha Maxey was extremely involved in her local church, St. Thomas Catholic Church, where she was a member with her family for over 25 years. Harneitha E. Maxey leaves to cherish her memories one sister: Edna R. Orr (Toccoa, GA); two sons: James Maxey (Long Beach, MS) and Roger Maxey (Jackson, MS); one stepson: Louis Maxey, Jr. (Milwaukee, WI); two grandchildren: Kwame Maxey (Milwaukee, WI) and Kayden Maxey (Fort Myers, FL); and six nieces and three nephews. Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gulfport. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, O'Neal Road was in charge of arrangements.