Maxine Puckett

The beautiful Maxine Puckett was born on August 1, 1948, in Danville, Illinois, to proud parents Robert and Sarah Thomas. At an early age, her parents recognized her extraordinary gifts for music and dance. She was raised in Danville, Illinois, where she was educated in the public school system. She attended Danville High School in 1967 and later furthered her education at the University of Illinois.

Maxine's mother, Mrs. Thomas, knew her daughter had what it took to become a star, so she made sure Maxine was trained by the best. She studied ballet, tap, and modern dance. At the age of 14, Maxine was invited to New Orleans to record two songs with the Rock and Roll Sound of Louisiana and Mississippi. The first single, "Rome Wasn't Built in a Day," was well received, and Maxine became an instant star in her hometown.

Maxine excelled in both academics and the arts during high school. She was a member of many prestigious organizations, including the A Cappella Choir and the Dramatics Club. She was also the first Black woman to earn a spot on the Danville High School cheerleading squad. Maxine mastered everything she pursued and became known for winning numerous talent shows and pageants.

Maxine later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she studied music and art. During her time there, she had the incredible opportunity to work with the incomparable Katherine Dunham. Maxine was privileged to learn and perform Dunham's renowned technique. While attending the university, she also had the honor of pledging and becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

During her time at the University of Illinois, Maxine became the lead singer for a band called The Tony Zamora Ensemble. The band performed once a week at a campus restaurant called Treno's. While singing with the band, she fell in love with the handsome and brilliant piano player, Donald Smith. They were married in August 1968, and their beautiful daughter, Yaisa Smith, was born in October 1969. Even while pregnant, Maxine continued to dance and sing in many programs at the University of Illinois.

In 1971, Maxine gave birth to another beautiful girl, Jaya Puckett, and in May 1975 she married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bobby) Puckett. Later that year, Maxine and Bobby, along with other family members, relocated to Los Angeles, California. In July 1977, Maxine gave birth to her third and final child a handsome baby boy named Forrest Puckett.

Maxine worked for numerous organizations as a social worker and was eventually appointed Admissions Director for Cleveland Chiropractic College. She was a hardworking and devoted staff member and an asset to every organization she served. She continued to work faithfully until her husband Bobby became ill, at which time she became his devoted caretaker.

Maxine's beautiful spirit, remarkable talent, and infectious personality will truly be missed. She left an indelible mark on everyone who crossed her path. She was brilliant and truly a star. On February 10th, we lost our loving mother and the matriarch of our family to heart failure. Although we are devastated by her loss, we find comfort in knowing that Queen Maxine Puckett is now at rest. We promise to uphold your legacy and keep you forever in our hearts.

Maxine was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Thomas; father, Robert Thomas; brother, James Staten; sisters, Leah Armstrong and Shirley Staten; brothers, Kenny Fields and Jeffrey Thomas; and grandchildren, Imani Puckett and Tremayne Corley.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children, Yaisa Smith, Jaya Puckett-Glover, and Forrest Puckett, along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, family members, and friends.

A celebration of life will commence at 12:00 Noon Friday March 27, 2026 at New Life Church of Faith 1419 N. Bowman Ave. Danville IL. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Interment: Danville National Cemetery.