A Tapestry Woven with Love: Honoring Anna Maxine Goins Jordan Clarkton

There are lives that touch so many, weaving threads of kindness and steadfast devotion into the very fabric of a community, and then there is Anna Maxine Goins Jordan Clarkton. Hers, truly, was one such life, a vibrant, unwavering presence for 83 remarkable years. It was on Sunday, May 26, 2024, that Maxine, as she was affectionately known, peacefully transitioned from this world at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Bolivia, leaving behind a legacy as rich and comforting as the Carolina soil she called home.

Born into the heart of Brunswick County on April 10, 1941, Maxine was the cherished daughter of David R. Goins and Annie V. Stanley Goins. She grew up in a time and place where community bonds were everything, and honestly, you could see that influence bloom throughout her entire life. A proud graduate of Shallotte High School’s Class of 1959, she carried that formative experience—those friendships, those lessons—with her, always.

Her professional journey spoke volumes of her dedication. For a time, she lent her sharp mind and meticulous hand to the Brunswick County Tax Office, a testament to her precise nature. Later, she moved into a supervisory role at Westpoint Stevens in Clarkton, where she not only managed but also mentored, guiding many through their own professional paths. It wasn't just a job; it was a place where she contributed, made a difference, and left her mark, truly.

But perhaps it was within the walls of Clarkton Presbyterian Church where Maxine’s spirit shone brightest. A devoted member, she wasn't content to simply attend; no, she truly lived her faith. She served diligently as an Elder, and for years, she held the vital role of Clerk of the Session. And that, in itself, tells you something crucial about her character: her commitment, her quiet leadership, her unwavering belief in the power of service.

Her personal life, like her public one, was built on profound connections. Maxine faced loss, as we all do, having been preceded in death by her beloved first husband, James E. Jordan, and indeed, by her parents and several brothers—David Jr., William R., James M., and Donald R. Goins. Yet, she found love again, marrying Joseph “Joe” W. Clarkton, who survives her, a testament to enduring companionship. She was, above all, a matriarch, a central figure whose love resonated through generations.

She leaves behind a vibrant family tapestry: her daughter, Janet J. Padrick, and son-in-law Kevin; her son, Mark E. Jordan, and daughter-in-law Tanya; and another son, Jeffrey L. Jordan, with his wife Stephanie. And let's not forget her sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Goins Padrick and Virginia “Jenny” Goins Hewett—surely, sisters in the truest sense of the word. The blessings extended even further, with nine cherished grandchildren and, perhaps most wonderfully, sixteen great-grandchildren, all of whom, one imagines, felt the warmth of her presence. Nieces and nephews, too, held a special place in her heart, creating an expansive network of family love.

To honor Maxine’s memory, family and friends are invited to gather. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Peacock Funeral Home. A service of remembrance, a true celebration of her impactful journey, will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Clarkton Presbyterian Church, followed by her interment at Clarkton Cemetery. And for those wishing to extend her legacy, donations can be made to Clarkton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 66, Clarkton, NC 28420—a fitting tribute to a woman who gave so much.

Maxine Goins Jordan Clarkton—her name itself a testament to the full, rich life she lived—will be profoundly missed. But her memory, well, it will surely live on, a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to know her, a beautiful echo in the quiet corners of Clarkton, and indeed, beyond.