Maxine S. Plummer, age 94, of Wellston, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Maxine was born on August 25, 1930, in Glen Roy, Jackson County, Ohio, to the late Emmitt and Jessie Tipton Stephenson. Maxine attended Glen Roy School and graduated as Salutatorian of the Coalton High School Class of 1948. She furthered her education by earning a doctorate in Health Administration from St. Louis Clayton University.

Maxine was a nationally recognized leader in volunteerism and government. Among her greatest accomplishments was her service in mental health. She served as the first executive director of the Gallia-Jackson-Meigs Community Mental Health Board, during her tenure establishing one of the first free-standing inpatient mental health treatment facilities in the state. Maxine served in leadership roles for the Ohio Mental Health Association, the Ohio Community Mental Health and Mental Retardation Association, and Vocational Rehabilitation. For her service, she was inducted in 1993 into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame.

Following her mental health career, Maxine was a stalwart supporter of the Southern Hills Arts Council, serving as President for 26 years as the organization brought the Markay Cultural Arts Center to life in Jackson. She served on the Northern Caucus of the Executive Committee of the Jackson County Republican Party and belonged to the Wellston Mothers Club, Wellston Jr. Study Club, the Ohio Women's Federated Club, the Optimist Club, and served as President of Wellston Band Boosters. Maxine and her family also owned and operated the Plum Tree Hallmark store on Ohio Avenue in downtown Wellston.

Maxine cherished spending time with friends and family when not working or volunteering. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, all things Disney, giving motivational speeches on cruises, and spending family days around her pool.

Maxine was married to the late Einon H. Plummer for nearly 50 years until his death in 2002.

She is survived by her son, Einon H. Plummer II of Gahanna, her son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey T. and Cecilia (Geitz) Plummer of Wellston, and her grandchildren, Grant and Cecilia Grace Plummer.

She is also survived by sister-in-law, Barbara Stephenson of Wellston; nieces, Kathy Taylor of Canfield and Alicia Beatty of Wellston; nephews, Roger (Vickie) Stephenson of Wellston, Jim (Kim) Plummer of Jackson, John Plummer of Jackson, and Mark Beatty of Wellston; special great-nephew, Josh (Erin) Stephenson and his children, Mady and Braylon of Wellston; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and beloved friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brother, Ivan Stephenson; sisters-in-law, Grace Plummer Adkins and Alice Beatty; brother-in-law, James A. Plummer; nephews, Scott Beatty and Thomas Plummer; and dear friend, Ceil Geitz.

The family would like to thank Jenkins Care Community, and a special thank you to Peggy Cardwell and Ronnie Carrington for their excellent care and love.

Calling hours will be Saturday, February 1st, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Funeral service will be Sunday, February 2nd, at 2 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor John Pelletier officiating.  Friends may also call 1 hour prior to the funeral service on Sunday.  In keeping with Maxine's wishes, cremation will follow the service and burial will be at a later date in Ridgewood Cemetery.  Please make donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Southern Hills Arts Council, PO Box 149, Jackson, Ohio 45640, or the Jenkins Care Community Activities Fund, 142 Jenkins Memorial Rd., Wellston, Ohio 45692.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.  To learn more about Ohio Women's Hall of Fame visit www.ohiohistory.org.