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Charles Maxwell Obituary
SOUTH BEND - Charles Edward Maxwell, 83, of West Washington Street, South Bend, passed away at 8:58 p.m. on Friday, September 26, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend. Charles was born to the union of Professor Gilbert and Virginia (Saunders) Maxwell on June 18, 1925, in Clearwater, Florida, who both preceded him in death. He accepted Christ at an early age at St. Matthew's 1st Baptist Church in Clearwater in 1946. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy after serving his country three years. He graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1946. He was united in holy matrimony to Florida Williams in Safety Harbor, Florida, on January 14, 1947. Coming from Clearwater in 1947, he moved to South Bend; once in South Bend he served with New Salem Church before joining Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church. His employment history includes the United States Navy, Davis Funeral Home, Clearwater, Florida, South Bend Redevelopment Commission (HUD), St. Joseph County Highway Department and the University of Note Dame football usher. Some of his accomplishments include first African American licensed funeral director in St. Joseph County, first African American Boy Scout master-troop #238, a Free Mason and a member of the "A" Team (Project Aide) of St. Joseph County Manpower Development. Charles was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Gwendolyn Maxwell and Bob Maxwell; two brothers, Gilbert and James Maxwell; and a sister, Dorothy Thompson. Survivors left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Florida Maxwell; three sons, Charles R. Maxwell and Valdez Maxwell, all of South Bend, Bruce Maxwell of Tacoma, Washington; three daughters, Jacqueline Maxwell Mitchell of Las Vegas, Nevada, Carolyn (Raymond) Armstrong of Mesa, Arizona, and Rita (Vernon) Turner of Seattle, Washington; 23 grandchildren, five of whom were raised by their grandparents, Schalisa (Rev. Terry) Tate, Allen Winston, Willie Maxwell, Flonita (Shawn) Mallard and Flora Maxwell; 52 great-grandchildren; three siblings, Bertha Crenshaw, Cleo Trammell and Leonard Maxwell; two goddaughters, Ruthie Brady and Tina (Darrin) Taylor; a godson, Bishop Steven Reed; two adopted daughters, Stella (Cecil) McConnell and Rosie Walker; along with a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Charles Edward Maxwell will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, in Bethlehem Baptist Church, with burial following at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 3, from 5 to 7 p .m in Alford's Mortuary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where bereavement messages may be e-mailed to [email protected], c/o the Maxwell family.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Maxwell
Happy Birthday Wishes To My Daddy, June 18, 2009
June 18, 2009
Lynda Koch
October 31, 2008
Dear Jacqueline and Family,
May God continue to hold you in His arms at this time of sorrow. I know Mr. Maxwell must have been a wonderful gentleman, even though I never had the privilege of meeting him. Jacqueline is a special person, and wonderful friend. May God bring you through this time in His loving way.
Ossie Wiggins
October 23, 2008
May God continues blessing become
your strong source of power and strength during your great lossl
My condolence goes out to you.
Jan Childers
October 20, 2008
To Jackie and the Maxwell Family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Father, Husband, Grandpa, Brother, and Friend Mr. C.E. Maxwell. We did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr Maxwell, but his Legacy of a Life of Purpose and Principals is evident in his beautiful daughter, our friend, Jacqueline.
My the Lord Bless each of you with a peace beyond understanding and with the joy of memories shared with such a special man. There will be a sweet reunion when the time comes to be together again.
Our prayers are will you all.
Jim and Jan Childers
David Bruder jr
October 19, 2008
To Jackie and the Maxwell family.
Sorry to everyone for the loss of a great hero.
David Bruder jr
Terry & Linda Williams
October 18, 2008
We want to send our deepest sympathy to the whole family.
We never met Charles Maxwell, but heard wonderful things about him through our friend Jackie (his dauther).
God Bless You All
Margaret Wigfall-Algee
October 15, 2008
To Florida, Jackie & the Maxwell Family- May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. God Bless
Upper Room International Prayer Ministry
October 14, 2008
To Jackie, and the Maxwell Family.
We, the World Wide Prayer Intercessors of The Upper Room
International Prayer Ministry send our deepest heartfelt sympathy to
the entire family.We represent Prayer Warriors from Africa, Israel, Malaysia, China, California, Nevada, Ohio, Illinois, Tennesee, New Mexico,Florida,and Texas. We assure you that this family will remain in our hearts and prayers forever. To Mr. Maxwell, may you enter into your
rest...into the long strong arms of OUR LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
Upper Room International
World Wide Prayer Ministry
Tyese, Vivian, Shawn Trammell (Witherspoon)
October 14, 2008
our prayer and thoughts are with you, and may time heal your lost.
Michael & Phyllis Miles- Phillips
October 14, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Lenny Maxwell
October 13, 2008
You are in my prayers.
Ingrid Trammell
October 13, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Voncia Ward
October 10, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love your Cousin
Douglas Outlaw
October 8, 2008
Our prayers go out to the Maxwell family. Growing up on the lake there were male role models who had a positive impact on all the kids in the nieghborhood. Mr. Maxwell was one of my main role models. He not only cared for his family, but he also cared about everyone on the lake and the community. He could be just as stern as he was kind depending on what the situation called for. I contribute the sucess that I have experienced to him, Mrs Maxwell and all the concerned parents on the lake. The wisdom that I recieved from him as he held court on the corner of Wellington and Washington has carried me through many situations. May the family find comfort in knowing that he touched the lives of many people and changed things for the better for the community. With much love and respect. Douglas, Helen and the Outlaw family.
Levon Dickens
October 7, 2008
Mr Maxwell touch my life as kid on up and I will never forget him.........Levon Dickens........
Dave & Connie Davis
October 6, 2008
To The Maxwell Family
You are in our thoughts and prayers and hoping each day will bring you comfort and peace. May your memories be held in your heart.
Mary F. Jackson
October 6, 2008
To the Maxwell Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Alice Miller & Family
October 5, 2008
Our Prayer and thoughts are with you. May God continue to bless and keep hold of your family, especially during this time. The Miller Family
Kenneth W. Reed
October 3, 2008
Thinking of your family at this time. Thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
The Reed Family.
(Indiana.)
Cynthia Smitherman
October 3, 2008
To the Maxwell Family and Our Beloved Grand/Great/Daughter/ Miquaela. We send our love and sympathy to you in this time of sorrow. We knew and loved Mr. Maxwell for all the things he did for us personally, and for his community. He was our Coach, our activist, our leader and our friend. We will always have fond memories and love for him and the family. GOD Bless. Cynthia, Rodney,Lyda & Walter Johnson. Mesa, Arizona
Betty Walker Ford
October 3, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
sherry phillips
October 3, 2008
may god bless the maxwell family
Carlett Booth
October 2, 2008
With deepest Sympathy to you, Mrs Maxwell, and Your Family. May it comfort you to know that we were so very sorry to hear of your loss. You're in our thoughts now, and in the days to come.
Tifinie Mathews
October 2, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Willie & Renee Davis
October 2, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Deirdre (Shambery) Lloyd
October 2, 2008
The Maxwell Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. I am sorry that I can't be with you at this time of your loss. However I do remember all of the good times around the Maxwell household. I was always treated as a family member. Keep your heads up Joy Comes in the Morning. God will wipe away your tears, heal your hearts and put a smile on your face. To be absent from the body, is present with the Lord. Love & Blessings
Tyrone Watford
October 2, 2008
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.
Stephen Hardy
October 2, 2008
To The Maxwell Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing Mr. Maxwell.
Not only was Charlie Max a great family man but he was always commited to making our local community and the world a better place to live.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. St Matthew 5:4
Kimberly Peake
October 2, 2008
To the Maxwell family, May God bless and keep you in your time of sorrow. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Marilynn Hall
October 2, 2008
Rita, Mrs. Maxwell and family my prayers and condolence go out to you all. May God keep you and provide peace and comfort at this time of bereavement. Know that I am there with you in spirit.
Tina (Darrin) Taylor
October 2, 2008
In loving memory of my Paw-Paw:
It takes a very special man to do what you've done - touch the lives and hearts of so many people with your heart, hugs, humor, debates, wit and smile. Thank you for being you and loving every person you met unconditionally. And thank you for loving my Granny. When I miss you, I don't have to go far.... I just have to look inside my heart because that's where I'll find you and my dad - every time! I love and miss you dearly! ~ Baby Girl!
Randy Jones
October 2, 2008
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers! May God take care of you all during this difficult time! If you need someone to talk to and to encourage you, I'm here for you all!
Marilynn Hall
October 2, 2008
Rita, Mrs Maxwell and entire family my prayers of comfort goes out for you all. Know that I am truly with you in spirit and may God keep you in this time of bereavement.
Lonnie & Charlotte Taylor
October 2, 2008
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.
Eileen Thomas-Wade
October 2, 2008
To the family of Mr. Maxwell,
May God bless each any everyone of you, and find peace and strength in the Lord. I will never forget Mr. Maxwell, for I long as I can remember he was always a pillar of strength while I was growing up on the "Lake". He and my father (Mr. Owen Thomas better known as "Mr. Owens")were the best of friends.
John H. Kelley III
October 2, 2008
To the family of Mr. Maxwell,
Your father & Grandfather was our own icon within our neighborhood, one of the most known fathers among us all. He always had kind words as I walked pass the house either heading or coming from school, along with the biggest smile as he would always say something funny. He was just as concerned with our education, as he did his own. I send my best, because each and everyone of you came from the best...our neighborhood had to offer. Mr. Maxwell will forever live within our hearts for many years to come, because he touched our heart. Thank you, Mr. Maxwell
Rhonda L. &Annie Edwards
October 2, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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