Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA

Obituary For Maxine Snow

Maxine Gail Snow, also affectionately known as “June”, was the only child born to the late Wilson and Mamie Alice Lewis in Harrisburg, PA. On December 16, 2023, her heavenly father rewarded her with her wings and said Well Done!

Maxine was born into a family where “MUSIC WAS A MUST!” Her mother, aunts and uncles were very committed and talented in the music field. Her mother, Mamie and Aunt Gladys Hughey played piano while the rest of her aunts and uncles sang for church groups, choirs, etc. As a result, Maxine began piano lessons with her Aunt Gladys as her teacher at the age of 5. She continued studying under the tutelage of “Pianist Extraordinaire”, the late Miss Lillian Ball and began playing piano for the family’s church, North 17th Street Church of God in Harrisburg at the age 11 until her graduation from the former William Penn Senior High School in Harrisburg.

After marriage, Maxine moved to York, PA after working briefly for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She played piano and sang with the Jeweltone Gospel Singers in York, PA. In 1965, she moved to Washington, DC and returned to playing the piano for the children’s choir and the Volunteer Crusaders of St. Matthews Baptist Church where Rev. Maxwell M. Washington was the pastor and she became a member. She also became a pianist/member of the United Voices at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, MD where Rev. John Jenkins is the pastor. She has also played for several benefits and programs, such as the Federal Women’s Week in October 1984, The M.U.S.C.L.E. Housing Benefit Festival in March 1984 and numerous community activities in DC as well as Harrisburg, PA throughout the years.

Maxine and her family returned to the Harrisburg area in October 1985 where she obtained employment with the Commonwealth of PA in November 1987. She started playing for the Harris A.M.E Zion Church Senior Choir and 17th Street Church of God Sanctuary Choir, Inspirational and Mass Choirs. She also played for the Monumental AME Combined Choir and assisted the Porters with the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir.

Because of her anointed musical gifts and talents, she was frequently in demand to be a piano accompanist throughout Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania. Maxine also has given faithful and committed service to Monumental AME Church in Steelton, PA under the pastorate of Rev. Stokes, and Rev. Fields, Jr. At Monumental, she was affectionately called “Super Max” and was the superb and respected pianist for the Combined and Mass Choirs on Sundays, as well as many outreach fellowships. She would lend her marvelous talents and techniques to soloists who are asked to sing at various church and community programs.

In 1992, she served as the beloved Minister of Music at Shiloh Baptist church of York, under the pastorate of Rev. William Curtis. In 1995, she became Minister of Music at Bethel AME Church of York, under the pastorate of Rev. Anthony Jones and then Rev. Katharine Rose where she played for various choirs, including the Male Chorus, Mass and Youth Choirs.

Left to continue Maxine’s legacy is her loving husband, Wilbert A. Snow; her daughters, Melanie F. Gurley (Dwayne) of Forney, Texas; Kecia L. Howard of Glen Burnie, MD; her son, Valentino D. Snow who is currently serving in the US Navy, San Diego, CA; her most loyal and beloved fur baby Dakota; her sisters in-law, Eloise Snow of Raleigh, NC; Doris Jean Harris of Maury, NC; Dorothy Kilpatrick of Kinston, NC; Carolyn Hyman (John) of Lanham, MD and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other family members and friends.

Maxine's life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023 in the Sanctuary of The First Baptist Church of Steelton with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Guest Book

So many memories of years gone by since the last time my dear first Cousin June & I spoke, unless one counts the many fun times when I visited my East Coast "home away from home as a child....the Lewis love will continue. Blessings, to my family, Cynth'ya Lewis Reed CynthyaReed.com

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I am so sorry for your loss Mr. Snow and Valentino. She was such a sweet lady that loved her family and her family loved her. Your family will be in my payers during this time of bereavement. Narissa Gaines (Crosson)

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Maxine was a very beautiful friend in and out. She taught me a lot about singing because that was one of her forte's!! She also played a piano that really made the keys hum!! She will greatly be missed by a lot of people!! Sending my deepest condolences and prayers!! Love Bernice & Family

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My sincere sympathy and condolences to the family. We share many memories growing up in the "Manor"...and those memories will be cherished forever. I truly understand your loss, please let me know if you need anything. Love yall...Jeannine Robinson and Family. ❤️🙏🏾

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The first thing I noticed about Ms. Snow was her sincere kindness. She was such a lighthearted person and Her laugh was so joyous. It was infectious; you couldn't stay sad around her. Snow family, My heart goes out to each and every one of you for the loss of your matriarch . I know how much she meant to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. l

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Sorry to hear of the passing of Maxine. She was always willing to assist Oscar Porter on the piano at Macedonia with the Mass Choir. Maxine was also a member of the Harrisburg Area Chapter of the Gospel Music workshop of America when I was the Chapter Representative. Her pleasant personality, musical gifts, and that big smile, will always be remembered by me and I'm sure many others in the Harrisburg area. Praying strength and comfort for the Snow Family. Donna Porter

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Such a beautiful person inside and out! I appreciate you in so many ways. You will be truly missed. Sending prayers to the family! -Twila Snow

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The format doesn't allow you to edit, so the post with the pink candle is from me. SheRina Lindsey-Stewart, much love

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Sister Snow, As a former Volunteer Crusader for St. Matthews Baptist Church (that pink & black), I want to send my love, prayers and hugs to your family. I remember all the late night rehearsals, trips to other churches and you giving me my first solo "At the Gate". We were small in number, but large in love. I know you will truly be missed. May you continue to lead the chorus in heaven.

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Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the family. Diana L Walker

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Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the family.

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Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to the family.

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Thank you for being such a great influence to me, Val, and everyone who slept over at your house as a kid. I spent more time at your house than I did at mine from holidays, birthdays, sleep overs on the weekends. I always have love and respect for you especially because you treated me as if I was your own son. I will always remember the times you told all of us to go to sleep because we had church in the morning but of course we never listened. On Sunday mornings I would be sleep your your Ford Explorer and when we got to church I would be knocked out in the 3rd row and you would have someone tap me to wake me up as you played the piano I would make eye contact with you and struggle to stay awake and fell back asleep and by the time church was out and we got back in the car you would tell me Clemmeth you need to go to sleep earlier and I said I would try and you would just laugh and 30 seconds later I was sleep again until we got back home to your house and then I had all the energy in the world and you just laughed and said now you want to be awake and we all laughed and it continued for years. You literally were my second mom and you and Mr. Snow helped formed me into the man I am today so I definitely wanted to thank you for everything and treating me as if I was your own. I will always cherish all the memories I was able to create with you thank you Mrs. Snow. Love: Clem

- Clem Silva-Varence

From the children of the late Thomas & Lucy Martin We are so sorry for your loss. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs.

- Carl Martin

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA