Cecilia Ann Holt Maxfield passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Decatur Morgan Hospital. She was born September 9, 1944, in Florence, Alabama to William Cecil Holt and Vivian Beatrice Holtsford Holt. She graduated as salutatorian from Coffee High School (Florence) and was second in her class at Florence State College (UNA). She was awarded the National Science Foundation fellowship to study mathematics at the University of Kentucky, where she received her master’s degree, and she remained a lifetime member of the UK Alumni Association.
After graduating, Cecilia taught math for seven years at UAH, one year at Randolph School, and 34 years at Calhoun Community College, where she served as the chair of the Mathematics Department for over 20 years. Following retirement, Cecilia volunteered at the Decatur Morgan Hospital gift shop and served as a counselor at Camp Bluebird.
Cecilia was a lifelong churchgoer. Most recently she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Decatur, where she played piano for morning church services and served in the church’s Joy Ministry, First Touch Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, and Music Ministry. Her favourite scripture passages included Matthew 6:25-34, Ecclesiastes 3:1-12, and John 14:1-6.
Cecilia was a very good seamstress, cook, and baker, and her family always appreciated the rolls and coconut cakes she prepared for special gatherings. She loved music and was an accomplished pianist. Cecilia was also an avid traveller, visiting all 50 states and 24 countries.
Cecilia was preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Vivian. She is survived by her husband of 33 years Larry Maxfield, her brother Charles Holt (Carolyn), and her niece Martha Holt (Brad Emmons).
A graveside service will be held at Florence (AL) City Cemetery on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Decatur, or to Camp Bluebird through the Decatur Morgan Hospital Foundation.
