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W. MAXWELL Obituary
Henry, as he was affectionately known, was the son of the late Walter and Lizzie Maxwell. He was a lifelong resident of Newport News and was educated in the Newport News Public School System. He graduated from Carver High School in 1951 and continued his education at Norfolk State and Virginia State Universities. He was formerly employed at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company.
On Feb. 4, 1968, Dr. Maxwell accepted the call of God to Pastor Ivy Avenue Baptist Church, (now Ivy Baptist Church) retiring as pastor in 2004 after 37 years of faithful service.
In 1983, Dr. Maxwell was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 95th District. After nine years of service in the House, he was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 1992, and was subsequently re-elected in 1995 and 1999.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charlie Herman Maxwell and Harold Maxwell Sr.; and sister; Sadie Maxwell Turner.
Pastor Maxwell walked worthy in the Lord, being fruitful in every good work. He will live in the hearts of those who will cherish his great legacy forever; his beloved wife of 53 years, Gladys; children, Walter, Ronald (Karen) and Angela Rush (Roy); and grandchildren, Walter Maxwell III, Chere' Flowers (Meko), Jasmine Maxwell, Cheron Maxwell, Warren Maxwell, Aroya Rush, Faith Maxwell, Corey Barnes, Karen Barnes and Shaniqua Walker; sisters, Pauline Jones, Sallie Staton, Shirley Satchell, and Gwendolyn Hawkins (Sam); and brothers, Wesley Maxwell and Thomas Maxwell (Naomi); mother-in-law, Gladiola Pope; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Viewing will be at Ivy Baptist Church, 50 Maple Avenue, Newport News, Va., on Friday, Nov. 19, 2010, from 10 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, at 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church King Street, 229 North King Street, Hampton, VA 23669. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ivy Baptist Church Child Care Center, 50 Maple Ave., Newport News, VA 23607.
Condolences may be sent to www.cookebros.com. Funeral services entrusted to Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th St. NN, VA 23607, (757) 380-0251. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for W. MAXWELL
Darryl Lane
November 30, 2010
It is with great sorrow to hear of the passing of Rev. Maxwell. I attended school with his two sons Walter and Ronald. He is my sister Charlene friend and pastor. And he preform a marriage ceremony for me back in 1981. I did not have the honor to know him as well as I would have liked but I know he has left a deep positive impression on those I named and ten of thousands of others that did have that pleasure to get to know Rev. Maxwell. GOD has opened HIS arms for Rev. Maxwell saying "Welcome home good and faithful servant". GOD's blessings upon Rev. Maxwell and all he has touched.
Edna Ford-Hardie
November 27, 2010
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am deeply sadden to have lost my pastor. I grew up in Ivy with Angela and have been a member all my life. Dr Maxwell was a wonderful pastor, teacher and example with a wonderful family. He impacted a great many lives. I can remember when he and his wife (Gladys) prepared me for the CH Wilson Oratorical contest, when I was 13, in which we won. I miss you all and Dr. Maxwell will truly be missed.
Phyliss Parker
November 25, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Grace & Bob Felton
November 23, 2010
My heart goes out to the Maxwell Family, I have known most of ya'll during the days when I worked at the Oasis. Then in 1998 Mr Maxwell married my husband & I. He was truly an angel from God, he allowed the Jesus inside of him to shine in all that he endevered His gentle & kind Spirit, will forever be a cherished memory for both myself & my husband. God truly blessed everyone on this earth, that came into Sen. Maxwells path. I am sorry, I didn't see more of him during the years. My prayers are with Mrs. Maxwell and all the children. God Bless you all. You are in our thoughts & Prayers always.
Ann Jackson
November 22, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mike Hazlewood
November 22, 2010
Sorry for your loss, Sen Maxwell was a true gentleman and always found time to give me when he was in the General Assembly.
Kristen Taylor
November 21, 2010
I was saddened to hear of Pastor Maxwell's Homegoing, yet gladdened because I know he is resting in G-d's loving arms. May G-d continue to keep the Maxwell family in His Care. (Daughter of Clayton (deceased) and Dorothy Harris - past members of Ivy Baptist under Pastor Maxwell)
Amy Martin
November 21, 2010
I am keeping each of you in prayer at the loss of Pastor Maxwell. I will continue to pray for Gladys and family as you adjust to your daily loss and changes you face without Pastor Maxwell. He truly was a man of God who preached, taught, and lived thus saith the Lord.
Hold to God's unchanging hands.
Jody Allen
November 21, 2010
To the Maxwell family, I have the fondest memories of Pastor Maxwell. He encouraged me often and taught me so much. He was a blessing in my life and in the lives of so many at Ivy over the years. My thougths and prayers are with you all. With love,
Lynn Flowers
November 21, 2010
May God bless the Maxwell family in this time of sorrow.
November 20, 2010
We are so sad of the passing of Rev. Maxwell. we have know him since he was on Ivy Avenue and attended the church for many years. The Maxwell family will always be in our prayers. There are two Maxes up there just having a good time. Rev. Dr. Lawrence E. McLaurin, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Walter Henry Maxwell. To God be the Glory for the great things they have done. We are currently members of Ivy under the leadership of another great man of God, Rev. Dr. Kevin G. Swann. Be blessed and encourage. Mrs. Vergie M. McLaurin(a friend) and Ms.Jo Ann S. Bishop (her daughter).
cynthia jones
November 20, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dr. James I Hicks
November 20, 2010
The Wonderful Seven Seals Singers of Newport News, Virginia recall the Saturday night in the early 1990s when we celebrated our anniversary at Ivy Baptist Church and Dr. Maxwell showed respect and honor for our many years of singing. Later in the 1990s we sang in full concert at Ivy Baptist Church and Dr. Maxwell expressed his graciousness. We will miss him. We wish to express our most sincere condolences to the family and members of Ivy Avenue Baptist Church. With Love, Dr. James I Hicks, D. D., Manager of the Seven Seals Singers. Website: www.jamesihicks.org or www.sevensealssingers.org E-mail: [email protected]
November 20, 2010
To the Maxwell Family, we were deeply sadden to hear of the passing of your love one, The Honorable, Rev. W Henry Maxwell. It was indeed a pleasure to have gotten to know him and to fellowship with the family. He will be missed and forever remembered God Bless eqach of you.
The Davidson Family
Leonard Farrish and Debra Davenport Farrish
November 20, 2010
To The Entire Maxwell Family. Our sincere condolences are extended to each of you on the passing of Rev. W. Henry Maxwell. We remember as children hearing him preach the Word of God. He was an awesome man. His voice still rings in our hearts and minds. Hold on to God's unchanging hands and He will see you thru.
Linda Clifton
November 20, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Melissa Malone-Whitter
November 20, 2010
To the Maxwell family and devoted friends,
God has made the light just a little bit dimmer for you, but he is still your guiding light. Continue to love and trust and you are going to be okay. LUV YA, Sallie,
Melissa Malone-Whitter
November 20, 2010
To the Maxwell family and Ivy Baptist Chuch, I want to thank Dr. Walter Henry Maxwell for what he meant to my life. He baptized me, licenced me, ordained me, and installed me. My life in Christ began with his ministry. I want you to know how important your husband, father, and pastor was to this one little son of his ministry. Without him there would have never been the me that people have come to respect and appreciate. I shall cherish what he helped to foster in me and that will always live in me to perpertuate his legacy.
My wife and I will always have the highest regards for the man and his ministry. You are always in our prayers.
Love,
Rev. Dr. Marcellus Lee Harrris, Jr, and Mrs Annette Harris
Cornell L Jordan II and Mother, Pat
November 20, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Shenay and Maggielean Lewis
November 20, 2010
To the Maxwell Family:
At this time of sorrow may these truths sustain you;
your loved one will always be as close as a memory and the God of all comfort is always as close as a prayer.
May God wrap His loving arms around your family as you endure the loss of one so greatly loved by many.
Bryan Bowyer
November 20, 2010
Thomas Maxwell,
I'm so sorry to read of your brother's passing. You always spoke of him with great pride, he deserved your praise.
May GOD comfort you in this time of loss.
Mell Hux-Breeden
November 20, 2010
To The Maxwell Family, I'm sorry to hear of your lost. GOD will continue to heal. We've come this far by FAITH. My first and only little RED leather rocky chair,(Chubby) "Amos & Andy, Elliott Ness". Mookie Mell...Carmella "Mell" HUX Breeden-Bradshaw
November 20, 2010
To the Maxwell Family and Ivy Baptist Church: My wife and I would like to express our sympathies in the loss of your loved one. He was a man of God who used that love to influence and affect change in many lives. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Garrett Hampton, Virginia
Edward Pollard
November 19, 2010
To the Family of Senator Maxwell, The Area 1 Branches of the Virginia State NAACP express our deepest sympathy in the loss of your love one. He contributed so much to his community and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Edward W. Pollard, Area 1 Chairman, Newport News, Hampton, York/James City/Williamsburg, Gloucester, Mathews, King William, and New Kent.
Evangelist Angela Jenkins
November 19, 2010
To the Maxwell family and the Ivy Baptist church family. It sadden my heart to hear of the passing of Rev. Maxwell, Know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, Rev. Maxwell is resting in the arm of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To the family be encourage and know that earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. My prayer is with the family as well as with Ivy Baptist Family He will be missed.We loved him but God loved him best.
CARRIE LITTLE-WHITLOCK
November 19, 2010
MAY THE LOVE OF GOD EASE THE PAIN OF YOUR LOSS. I THANK GOD TO HAVE HAD DR. MAXWELL AS MY PASTOR. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER.
Murad Nuriddin
November 19, 2010
Job well done Rev. Maxwell. Your Legacy will Live on forever.
My prayers are with the Maxwell and Ivy Baptist Church Families.
Anita Little
November 19, 2010
To Mrs. Maxwell, Walter, Ronald, Angela and the entire Maxwell family (sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, etc..) Please know that you are not alone in your burdens. There are so many of us who are with you and are carrying this with you. As a spirtual daughter, Pastor Maxwell laid the foundation for my entire family and for that, we are so grateful to the LORD. We love you all and are praying strength as you lift up your eyes to the hills from where your help comes from...It comes from the LORD! The "Little" Girls will forever keep Pastor Maxwell in our hearts.
Ray & Sandra Banks
November 19, 2010
To Gwen and Family,
It is with deepest sympathy that we pray for comfort and loving support for you and your family. May the God of Peace be with you !
Love You !
Arthur and Trena Brown
November 19, 2010
To Gwen and Family,
Who ever said that time heals all wounds, has obviously not had to experience the wound of losing a loved one in death. Love and memories is what helps, time only gives you room to pull up all of the love that your memories hold. Condolences- Arthur and Trena Brown
November 19, 2010
With Deepest Condolence to the Family of
W.H.Maxwell.May God Bless And Comfort You
on Your Lost 0f a Love One.
Sincerely Hubert&Aurelia Harris
Thelma Neal
November 19, 2010
To The Maxwell Family
Words cannot express the sorrow and sympathy felt for you now. Praying that God will grant you peace to ease your hearts. Love Thelma Neal and Family
Kathy Cooper-Wright
November 19, 2010
May God continue to comfort you in this time of sorrow. My prayers are with you,I thank God for my spiritual father, Reverend Maxwell, and my spiritual foundation, and knowledge gained growing up at Ivy Baptist. He always had a special place in his heart for the young people at Ivy, and he never made us feel that we did'nt matter even after we made mistakes. May God continue to bless the Maxwell family.
Sabrina Furman
November 19, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
HENRY MITCHELL
November 19, 2010
TO RONALD, WALTER, ANGELA
And The Rest Of The MAXWELL Family,
IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS TO HEAR OF YOUR FATHER'S PASSING. I RECALL THE GOOD TIMES WE USED TO HAVE GROWING UP AND THE WARMETH AND KINDNESS SHOWN BY YOUR FATHER ANYTIME I WAS IN HIS PRESENCE.
HIS SERVITUDE TO THE CITIZENS HE REPRESENTED WILL FOREVER BE ETCHED INTO HISTORY.
WHAT A BLESSING IT HAS BEEN KNOWING A MAN GOD PUT HERE ON EARTH FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND.
MAY YOU FIND PEACE, STRENGTH AND LOVE KNOWING THAT YOU ARE IN THE PRAYERS OF OTHERS.
WITH MUCH LOVE,
Johnsie Boyd
November 19, 2010
To The Maxwell Family
There are no words that can fill the emptiness in your hearts, but perhaps it helps to know that others cares. May your cherished memories keep you close in thought and heart to your father and his love. With deepest sympathy.
Johnsie Boyd & Family
Regina Green
November 19, 2010
Our deepest sympathy to the Maxwell family. Truly Ivy Baptist holds a special bond in our life.Thank you Rev. Maxwell and Mrs. Maxwell for being such wonderful spiritual parents. Our prayers are with you all. May you find strength in Him,
Sincerely,
Regina Green & Beverly Carter
November 19, 2010
To the Honorable Senator Maxwell family I was truly saddened to hear of your loss. May the sweet memories bring you comfort.
Vernon Lyons
Hampton, Va.
NORMAN TAFT
November 19, 2010
MY DEEPEST SYMPOTHY GOES OUT TO THE MAXWELL FAMILY JUST KNOW THAT GOD IS THERE TO GIVE YOU THE COMFORT THAT YOU NEED AT THIS TIME OF BERIEVEMENT TIME.
DR. NOMAN TAFT
Shereen Wynder
November 19, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Maxwell family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort....
T. Kirby, Ivy Baptist Child Care
November 19, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
CLIFFORD KNOX JR.
November 19, 2010
We have not the words to express our empathy for the Maxwell family.To be accepted into the family is a great honor.Brother & Sister Clifford - Mary
Perry D. Collins & Family
November 19, 2010
To the Maxwell Family
We join with so many others who knew Dr. Maxwell in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing. His was a life well lived. As we review the many photographs we have as a result of him officiating our family celebrations as well as his church and political events, it's apparent that Dr. Maxwell's long and productive life was important to thousands of people. It is our hope that you find peace, courage and comfort in God and each other during this difficult time. Sending you healing thoughts and light.
Rev. & Mrs. Otis Sanders
November 19, 2010
To Mrs. Gwendolyn Hawkins and the Maxwell family, we were deeply sadden to learn of the passing of your brother and love one, the Rev. Dr. W. Henry Maxwell. We thank God for the opportunity we had to get to know him. Dr. Maxwell truly was a devoted man of God and public servant. We are sure he is now resting with the Lord. Be encouraged because the Word of God said "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19
WILLIE ,V THIGPEN
November 19, 2010
DR, MAXWELL WAS LOVE BY ALL OF US,HIS SERVANT TO ALL OF US,WILL BE REMEMBERED. HE HELP ME, 43-YEARS IN NEWPORT NEWS SHIP YARD THANK GOD HIM ,. LOVE TO MS,MAXWELL AND THE,FAMILY WILLIE,V THIGPEN &SONS TAMPA FLORIDA
Beulah Mitchell Davis
November 19, 2010
I was so saddened when I learned of Rev. Maxwell's death. My thoughts went back to the times at Ivy Baptist when Rev. Maxwell and family came to us. He later performed my wedding ceremony. He eulogized my dear sister Kathy and was such an inspiration to us in our time of grief. He was such a caring person and wonderful pastor. I have fond memories of Rev. & Mrs. Maxwell and the family.
I pray for your comfort at this most difficult time. May the life Rev. Maxwell lived bring you all comfort. I would imagine that he had no regrets in his life.
Be encouraged and blessed.
Jackie T. Snow
November 19, 2010
Mrs. Maxwell and Family:
You have my empathy, love and prayers. Fondly, I remember Dr Maxwell as a man of conviction, strength and determination tempered with inteliigence and love. He impacted in many lives!
Contnue in fatih knowing God has your husband and father in his care!
Diane Davis
November 19, 2010
Ronald, Walter, and the Maxwell Family. It is with great sadness to hear of the loss of your father and my brother in Christ, Rev. Maxwell. As we have ALL grown up to know that the Lord will not put on us no more than we can bear, may you find peace and comfort in knowing that the Lord knows best and He will provide all of your needs. We pray your continued strength in trusting the Lord to keep you all in his tender loving care. With deepest sympathy and Love. Our prayers are with you All. Diane & Family
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