Max Church

Max Henry Church, 62, of Chattanooga, passed away on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018. Max was born in Rwanda on Aug. 2, 1956, into a missionary family and lived most of his life in Africa. He loved playing tennis, golf, painting, and singing. He openly loved his family as his first priority but he never passed an opportunity to help others. The first thing on his calendar for the morning after he died was to go to Goodwill to help someone get a wheelchair. This was who he was. With ADRA, Max helped build churches, wells, schools, relief programs, and entire livelihoods. With just his heart and personality, he raised eight children, stayed married to one amazing wife for 42 years and enhanced so many lives with his friendship. He was greater than many kings were and the fact that this is a shock to people all over the world proves it. He was Licensed Sales Agent for United Healthcare, worked 21 years in international community development, and was multilingual with fluency in French, Creole, Swahili, and English. The world is so much better because of Max’s existence. What an imprint he has made! To Max’s family, he is a hero and a legend. He was preceded in death by his father, Max J. Church. Max is survived by his loving wife, DavonaThoresen Church; Children, Brendon Church, Riquel Burton, Bridgette Mabuto, Kaley Church, Brianna Schwarz, Sabrina Church, Staci Church, Mariah Church; mother, Irma Wrate Church; siblings, Jan McAlpine, Lowell Church, Leona Stanton, Rodrick Church, Rene Church. A memorial service was held in Max’s honor on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at https://www.gofundme.com/max-church-funeral-and-family-expenses Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences with the family. Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Chattanooga.