Clara Maxine (Austin) McFee

Clara Maxine Austin McFee, age 85, of Black Mountain, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Mountain Ridge Health and Rehab, surrounded by her loving family. Maxine, as she was known, was Born on the Biltmore Estate on June 15, 1940. Her mother and most of her family were employed there. Maxine was the daughter of the late Zade Ponder and Eva Irene Austin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Ambrose “Mac” McFee; her daughter, Deborah Ann McFee; and sons-in-law, Charles Johnny Ledford and Samuel Joseph Millar. Maxine and Mac were well-known in the Swannanoa Valley for their entrepreneurial spirit, having owned and operated Mac’s Swannanoa TV, A-I Check Cashing, and Swannanoa Flower Shop. Maxine was a woman of many passions—she loved bowling and proudly earned an Olympic gold medal in the Senior Games. She was an avid Disney enthusiast, enjoyed traveling, and cherished her collection of Precious Moments figurines. She is survived by her daughters, Eva McFee Millar of Garner, NC, and Terry McFee Dorlan (Brian) of Black Mountain, NC; grandchildren, Shannan Olsen (Robert) and Samantha Millar; and great-grandchildren, Lillyanna Morgan, Mackenzie Morgan, Sean Millar-Sarvis, Dylan Millar-Sarvis, and Austin Quinn. “Adopted” daughter Susie Nesbitt of Old Fort.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Penland Family Funeral Service, 125 South Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m.. Interment will follow at Mountain View Memorial Park, 392 Tabernacle Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711. the family would like to express a sincere thank you and an abundance of love to the staff, residents and extended family of Mountain Ridge Health and Rehabilitation for their care, love, friendship, and becoming our family the last 5 years. We will forever be grateful for your compassion, love and service to our Mother and Mamaw. Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the McFee family during this time of remembrance.

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