Maxine ( Holifield) Arp
Passed 12/30/2021
MAXINE (Holifield) ARP, 51, of Steelton, Pennsylvania, transitioned into eternal life at UPMC Osteopathic Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Thursday, December 30, 2021. She was born in Marion, Alabama, the daughter of Marie Holifield Dockens and the late Marion “Marvin” Brand, Sr. Maxine migrated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in the late 70’s and received her formal education in the Harrisburg School District and was a 1988 graduate of Harrisburg High School William Penn Campus, where she was runner up for Homecoming Queen. She trained as a welder and secured a job in the field at Fruehauf Corporation. She was a devoted young mother to her only son, Raymond Holifield, Sr. Maxine reunited with her high school sweetheart, Aaron Arp and they were joined in holy matrimony in September 2018. During her working career, she held many positions, including working at Penn National Insurance, becoming a licensed cosmetologist and eventually opening a salon in Middletown with her best friend. She gave 110% to everything she committed herself to do. In 2002, Maxine returned to school and enrolled in the hospitality program at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), taking her first international trip as a study abroad student to Italy. It was as if her sense of adventure multiplied. She then dedicated herself to becoming a flight attendant—learning how to swim, which was an essential requirement of the flight attendant exam. She took the lessons at the East Shore YMCA, where she exercised frequently. Maxine’s career as a flight attendant combined her love of travel, service and frugality (she loved her coupons!). She was known for helping family and friends plan trips and navigate the often hectic schedule of flying standby. She always seemed available to help you navigate life’s challenges, including travel plans. Maxine was eligible for retirement last year and was scheduled to receive her official retirement badge in March from American Airlines. She was in the process of getting her real estate license. Maxine loved to plan parties and decorate. She brought her unique style to every occasion, whether sequin backdrops, floral centerpieces or birdcages. One of her favorite things was to take, collect and print photographs of all family gatherings. She was known to print, frame and/or add pictures to a photo album as keepsakes for loved ones. She loved beautiful things, but was not materialistic. Her light shined wherever she went in the world. Her pristine, poised and stylish appearance may have caught people’s attention, but it was her big smile and generous spirit that they remembered. Maxine was always stylish, an influencer and trendsetter, even at an early age. She was an eternal optimist—working out what she could and releasing what she could not. Her faith was strong and she believed that we serve a mighty God.
Maxine’s positivity was evidenced in her signature voicemail greetings, “Thank you for calling!” and “Have I got a word for you, today?!” The memory of Maxine’s generous life and example will be cherished by her husband, Aaron Arp; her mother, Marie (Holifield) Dockens; her son, Raymond Holified, Sr.; her siblings, Charlean “Renée” (Donielle) Irvin, Kinta Burnett, Kaseem and Raheem Ingram, all of Harrisburg, Leslie Brand of South Carolina; Stac Ballard, Holdyn Brand and Dana (Rudolph) Romano of New York; Maggie Brand, Marion Brand, Jr., Roy Brand, Clifton Morgan and Christopher Powell of Alabama; her grandchildren, Rayonia, Rayla, Raymond, Jr., Raynya and Raymoni Holifield; her aunts, Mae Holifield and Bobbie (Holifield) Coachman; her goddaughter, Nitea Long and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Maxine’s life will be celebrated on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with visitation from 12 Noon until 1:00 P.M. and burial in Paxtang Cemetery. Live Streaming of the service will be available on Major H. Winfield Funeral Home’s YouTube page. COVID-19 Guidelines will be observed with face masks and social distancing for all attendees.