Mrs. Helen Maxine Widby

Helen Maxine Widby, lovingly known as "Pat" and "Gran Gran", went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 78. Born and raised in Elizabethton, Tennessee, she entered this world on April 12, 1947, the daughter of the late Lawrence Taylor Myrick, Sr., and Carrie Bernice Myrick. Maxine Widby grew up in Elizabethton and attended Douglas High School, where she played forward for the Douglas Dragons basketball team. On December 18, 1964, she married the love of her life, Ernest Widby, Sr. Their union of over 60 years was built on love, faith, and deep devotion to God and family. In 1985, when Pastor Widby founded New Zion Faith Center, Maxine stepped gracefully into her calling as the First Lady of the church. She served faithfully at her husband's side as he carried multiple roles in the community. With her unwavering support, her quiet wisdom, sacrifices, and devotion, she undergirded every milestone they reached in their shared legacy. As First Lady, Maxine was the quiet backbone of the ministry: encouraging members, supporting church programs, helping shape its spiritual foundation, and standing as a steady, prayerful presence for the congregation. She served with humility, grace, and a gentle strength that uplifted everyone who walked through the church doors. For many years, Maxine worked as an electronic technician with Siemens, known for her dependability, humility, and strong work ethic. She enjoyed painting pottery, traveling, and preparing memorable Southern dishes – especially her beloved squash casserole and oyster-turkey dressing. She faithfully supported Ernie's Gospel Soul, Sons of Zion, Vacation Bible School, fundraisers, and the ministries of New Zion with a servant's heart. Maxine will be remembered as faith-filled, grounded, gracious, servant-hearted, selfless, loving, supportive, honest, dependable, and humble. She lived softly, loved deeply, and carried a quiet power that brought comfort wherever she went. Maxine Widby was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Taylor Myrick, Sr. (December 8, 1996) and Carrie Bernice Myrick (February 16, 2015); her grandparents, Shannon and Helen Phillips Richmond, Thomas and Florence Myrick; her brother, Albert Lynn Myrick (December 11, 2024), and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends throughout the decades. Cherishing her memory are her devoted husband, Pastor Ernest Eugene Widby, Sr.; her children, Ernest "Geno" Widby, Jr., Shelley Briscoe (Richard), and Christine Scurry (Jay); her brother, Lawrence Myrick, Jr.; aunts, Pauline Neely and Margaret Hagler; and uncle, George Richmond; along with special family friend, Theresa Crawford. She is also survived by seven grandchildren – Jordan Ray, Kristian Robiou (Edmir), Travis Simpson, Paige Coleman, Ryan Coleman (Ashley), Jayonna Scurry, and Josh Releford; seven great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Mrs. Helen Maxine Widby

April 12, 1947 - November 16, 2025