Elsie Lowden Maxwell Hambright

Elsie Lowden Maxwell Hambright died Thursday, December 17, 2009. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Vineville United Methodist Church. Burial will be private in Riverside Cemetery. Dr. Marcus Tripp and the Reverend Tommy Martin will officiate. A visitation will be held from 4:00 until 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Grand Ball Room at Carlyle Place, 5300 Zebulon Road, Macon. Elsie was born in Savannah on June 18, 1913 to Annabel and Harry Lowden. She was preceded in death by two brothers. She married Bertram Maxwell, Jr. in 1935 and they were together until his death in 1978. Their children are Susan M. Brainerd (Alan Quinby), Elsie Ann Maxwell (Kathie Marsh), Bertram Maxwell, III (Mardi); grandchildren are Judith Roth (John), Elizabeth Brainerd (Timothy Hiebert), Margery M. Kreider (John), Bertram Maxwell, IV, Dorothy B. Maxwell; great-grandchildren are John D. Roth and Ian Maxwell Roth. Elsie married William B. Hambright in 1983. Her beloved extended family are Jan Hambright Brown (Larry) and William B. Hambright, Jr.; step-grandchildren are Wendy B. Sherlock (Joel), Bonnie B. Leicht (Bruce) and Julie B. Nelson (Stewart); step-great- grandchildren are Sophie, Rabun and Eliza Leicht. Elsie's love of music began in her early years as a result of her father's interest in music. The piano that she played all of her life was given to her by her parents to celebrate her 16th birthday. Elsie left Savannah in 1930 to attend Wesleyan Conservatory in Macon. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1933 and a Certificate in Organ in 1934. She was the organist for the Wesleyan Centennial Convocation in 1936. Her organ expertise was employed at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Vineville United Methodist Church and the Christian Science Church, Sunday schools and local organizations. Elsie NEVER waivered in her belief, love, and service to her Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave her 96 ½ years of a wonderful life on the earth to love and serve Him. Elsie's devotion to family and friends was of utmost importance to her, but her loyalty and support to two organizations, Wesleyan College and Vineville United Methodist Church, were evident even to the casual observer. Elsie and Bill Hambright alternated their weekly attendance of church services between Mulberry Street United Methodist Church and Vineville United Methodist Church. Elsie's quality of caring, which she developed while a student at Wesleyan as President of Student Council, turned into a continuing way of life. She had the privilege of serving in numerous capacities and was the recipient of many honors at both institutions: Distinguished Alumnae Award for Service to Wesleyan College (1977) , Trustee of Wesleyan College(1980) and Patroness and President of SAI Music Honorary Fraternity. She provided leadership and guidance during major fundraising campaigns. In 1989, Elsie funded the restoration of the Goodwyn-Candler Organ at Wesleyan, renamed in honor of her grandmother, Belle Pound Goodwyn, Wesleyan Class of 1874. She was President of the Morning Music Club and a member of the Macon Symphony Board of Directors. Family, friends, and Macon organizations will greatly miss Elsie. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Vineville United Methodist Church, 2045 Vineville Ave. Macon, Georgia 31204, or to Wesleyan College 4760 Forsyth Road, Macon, Georgia 31210. Friends may sign the online register at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street has charge of arrangements.