Maxine Williams

Maxine Williams "The McKinney Queen"

April 20, 1937 - August 25, 2025

Maxine Williams, affectionately known as "The McKinney Queen," lived her 88 years with laughter, love, and a spirit as sweet as a cup of tea-with just the right splash of milk.

Born on April 20, 1937, in Forester, Arkansas, to John and Caroline McKinney, Maxine was raised in Bessemer, Alabama, where she graduated from Dunbar High School. Soon after, she met the love of her life, James Walter Williams Sr. The two were married on August 20, 1956, and later moved to Lynn, Massachusetts, where they built a beautiful life and raised their children together.

Maxine embraced her role as a devoted wife and mother, pouring her heart into caring for her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. When she wasn't doting on them, you could find her shopping for little treasures, enjoying her favorite TV show My Wife and Kids, sipping hot tea, or worshiping with her church family at Maranatha Assembly of God.

She may be remembered by many as the sweetest woman they ever knew-always silly, always smiling, never unkind-but those closest to her also recall her adventurous side. Long before she was "Grandma Maxine," she was riding shotgun with James while he raced cars down Jay Bird Road. If you know, you know.

Maxine's legacy continues through her children: James Walter Williams Jr., Wendell Williams (Corina), Portia Yvette Boyd, Gary Christopher Williams (Mercedes), and Gaynette Williams (Shaun Wharton); her sisters: Charlie Forman, Edwina Paige, Cynthia Toodle, and Willa Dean Harris; and her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She now joins in eternal peace her parents, John McKinney Sr. and Caroline Armstead McKinney; her loving husband, James Walter Williams Sr.; her children: Tyrone Williams, Carolyn Miller, and Juliette Benalfew; and her siblings: John McKinney Jr., Herman McKinney, Sandra Faye McKinney, and Rudolph McKinney.

Her life will be celebrated at West Cobb Funeral Home, 2480 Macland Rd, Marietta, GA 30064, with a viewing from 1:00-2:00 p.m. and a service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Peaceful Meadows Cemetery, 86 Hart Road, Dallas, GA 30157.

Maxine was, in every way, the heart of her family and the joy of everyone who crossed her path. She leaves behind not just cherished memories, but a lasting legacy of sweetness, laughter, and love.