Maxine Elizabeth Laughlin Self, born on March 28, 1924, to William Charles ("WC") and Hattie Deola Nipper Laughlin in Lenoir City, Tennessee, left us on August 18, 2024, to start her next great adventure after 100 years here on Earth. She was greeted in the afterlife by her beloved husband, Merle Thomas Self, her parents, and her siblings, William David Laughlin, Dorothy May Laughlin Sorrells, Russell Laughlin, Evelyn Louise Laughlin Bailey, Claude Howard Laughlin, Anna Mae Laughlin Wilkins, William Charles Laughlin II, Martha Bernice Laughlin, Hattie Viola Laughlin, and Gladys Laughlin Vance.

Maxine made Broadway Towers her home for many years, where she became a legendary Rook champion (when she felt like playing) and a steadfast advocate for staying out of gossip. She was a devoted reader, a fan of Christmas music cranked up as loud as her record player could handle, and had a soft spot for reruns of The Lawrence Welk Show, Walker Texas Ranger, and Murder, She Wrote. Her DVD player almost always held a Dolly Parton film, with Nine to Five being her all-time favorite.  She never missed a UT Volunteers football game and loved watching Peyton Manning as a Colt, Bronco, and commentator. Her collection of Peyton Manning memorabilia was unparalleled.

A true craftswoman, Maxine dazzled with her needlework. Before her eyesight began to fade, she would recreate fashion pieces for her daughter with just a glance, adding her own special touches of embroidery. She was also an ace crocheter. While she never bragged about her baking, her chocolate pies were legendary in East Tennessee. No matter how hard her grandchildren tried, they could never quite match her culinary magic.

Maxine was a woman of many firsts. Though she had strong traditional views (such as not believing cupcakes belonged at weddings—"They're for children's birthday parties!" she'd very loudly and repeatedly insist), she was also a pioneer for gender equality. She proudly broke barriers as Blount County's first female butcher during World War II.

She leaves behind her daughter, Debra (Debbie) Self Duckett; grandchildren Danielle Duckett (Matt Block) and Logan Duckett (Jenna); and great-grandchildren McKayla Duckett, Ryker Duckett, Grayson Duckett Block, and Cara Duckett Block. She's also survived by a host of nieces and nephews across the country, her devoted friend, caregiver, and family member, Ken Emerich, and her cherished friend of 29 years, Maxine Stewart.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to her long-time care teams, Dr. Justin Bennett and Nurse Julie; Dr. Otto Slater, Maddie, and the rest of the team at Tennessee Valley Oral Surgery, and the wonderful group at Amedisys, especially "T," for their exceptional care and support over the past several weeks. Maxine's spirit and legacy of love, devotion to family, and delicious pies will be dearly missed.

Receiving friends will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 25 at Miller Funeral Home with a graveside service at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 26 at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.