Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 12, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Ann Maxwell, 93, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at her home.  She was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1931, the daughter of the late Dr. Ernest Washington Franklin, Jr. and Tempie Gee Williams Franklin.  She lived a life defined by her commitment to home, community and family. 

Ann always had an appreciation for beauty, whether it be architecture, gardening or fashion.  Her interest in design was nurtured by her parents, who were avid gardeners and collectors of art.  Their love of all things beautiful was passed on to their daughter.  Once inspired, Ann developed her own sense of design.  After attending Salem Academy in Winston Salem, NC for high school, she enrolled at Newcomb College, which is now part of Tulane University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Design.  She went on to further her study of design at the Pratt Institute in New York City.       

After finishing her design studies, she accepted a design consulting role in 1953 with a manufacturing company in New York City.  Several years later she met the love of her life, Allen Justin Maxwell.  They were married on September 7,1957 in Charlotte.  Ann and Allen spent the next 42 years joyfully digging in the garden, visiting art galleries, listening to Big Band music on the porch and teaching their two sons to enjoy it all.  Allen enthusiastically adopted Ann’s search for all things beautiful.  He was her strong back in the garden and willing adventurer through in all her endeavors.  They willingly offered their home and garden to the Dilworth Community Development Association and Mint Museum home and garden tours numerous times to support her local community. 

Ann’s talents extended far beyond her love for design.  She embraced civic engagement with passion.  Starting with serving as PTA president of Cotswold Elementary, she had a long civic career including serving on the Boards of Atrium Health, the Mint Museum of Art and the North Carolina Golden Leaf Foundation.  She was also the President of Dilworth Community Development Association from 1985-86 and ran for Charlotte City Council in 1981.   Ann was an active member of Myers Park United Methodist Church where she chaired the Altar Committee. 

Ann is survived by her two sons, Allen Justin Maxwell, Jr. and John Franklin Maxwell and his wife Robin, all of Charlotte.  She was preceded in her death by her husband, Allen Maxwell and her brother, Dr. Ernest W. Franklin III.  

Despite her very busy life, Ann always prioritized her family and was affectional known as “Gran” to her two surviving grandsons, Franklin Thomas Maxwell of Charlotte and Andrew Ward Maxwell of Washington, D.C. Gran’s house was always filled with surprises for her grandsons which included hidden lessons along the way.  

To celebrate a life well lived, a memorial service will be held at 3:30 PM on Monday, November 18, 2024, in the Francis Chapel at Myers Park United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends following the service in Jubilee Hall at the church.   

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207, Via Health Partners, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226, the Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 or a charity of your choice.  

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.