Maxine Williams

June 30, 1924 — October 31, 2013

Maxine Williams Profile Photo

When reflecting on the life of Maxine Williams, it is easy to see that her entire journey is a testament to the Lord she loved and served each and every day. Her heart was overflowing with love for others whether her family and friends, her fellow church members, or those within her community. Maxine was a nurturer through and through whose calm and gentle nature provides us all with much to aspire for. She was a prayer warrior who continually brought the concerns in her own life, as well as the needs and concerns of others, before her Heavenly Father. Life will never be the same without Maxine here, but her family and friends find comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home. The decade that became known as Roaring Twenties was a vibrant time in America. This was the peak of Broadway when dance crazes like the Charleston were all the rage and Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took the world of flight to new heights. Amidst this colorful time there was much to celebrate in the lives of a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on June 30, 1924. Maxine Anna was one of two children born to her parents, James and Nellie (Mulder) Williams, and she was raised in a neighborhood around McCrea Field in downtown Muskegon alongside her brother, James Anthony. Her father worked in a local foundry while her mother was a busy wife, mother, and homemaker. In many ways Maxine experienced a typical childhood for the youth of her generation. She was a student at Muskegon Public Schools where she enjoyed home economics classes and discovered that she had a real talent for sewing. Maxine even designed a coat that won her a scholarship to college to become a home economics teacher. Unfortunately, her father was a bit old fashioned in his beliefs and wouldnt allow her to attend college. It was as a young girl that Maxine came to embrace the faith that remained engraved upon her heart throughout the rest of lifes journey. She began attending Calvary Baptist Church at an early age, and she would remain a faithful member there for the rest of her life. Although she was not able to attend college, Maxine did attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for several years before returning to Muskegon. Once back in Muskegon, she found work as a bookkeeper for the Sanitary Dairy. Life was forever changed for Maxine when she met Esther Moses in the early 1950s. They became fast friends who considered themselves sisters soon after. Maxine and Esther later started living together, eventually buying a house on Larch Avenue where they would remain for nearly the rest of their lives. They were both faithful and active members at Calvary Baptist where they were involved in a variety of ministries and activities. During the late 1960s, Maxine and Esther began caring for Kathy Rogers, an eight year old girl whose single mother had become ill after a stroke. When Kathys mom died in 1969, she went to permanently live with Maxine and Esther. It took three long years and many legal battles before Maxine and Esther were allowed to legally become Kathys guardians, which made them her two mothers. Maxine was a wonderful mother who was actively involved in all aspects of Kathys life, continually supporting her in all of her activities. Maxines faith in her Lord was unwavering, and it was the compass she used to guide her steps along the way. She passed along this same faith on to Kathy and enrolled her in Faith Christian Schools. Maxine eventually went to work as the payroll supervisor for Hackley Hospital where she remained for 19 years before retiring in 1986. After she retired, Maxine didnt slow down any. She and Esther became daycare providers for their grandchildren. Maxine loved spending time with them and was sure to pass along her faith to them as well. She also volunteered at Hackley Hospital. Maxines love for sewing remained with her always. She made clothes for herself, Esther, and Kathy, but she also made children and baby clothes and sleepers for Muskegon Pregnancy Services and the Rescue Mission. For several years they took fun-filled trips out East to visit relatives every other year. Several years ago Maxines health began declining, which brought her to assisted living at Seminole Shores where she received the care she needed. Within six months Esther joined her there, and both women developed wonderful relationships with the staff. Eventually, the years took their toll, and her body began failing. With unending love for all who were within her reach, Maxine Williams was a blessing in every way. She was a woman of faith who was never overbearing in her faith, rather, it was through the way she lived her life that she was a true witness to her beliefs. Although Maxine could come across as stubborn or stern at times, she truly had a heart of gold and a desire to get things done correctly. If she saw a need, she would just take care of it, and her family and friends treasured her prayers. Maxine will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Maxine M. Williams died on Thursday, October 31, 2013. Maxines family included her daughter, Kathryn (Randy) Ortquist; sisters, Esther Moses, Majorie (James) Peterman; grandchildren, Pamela Schaub, Chelsey Ortquist, Randy Ortquist, Jr. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James, in 1988. Services will be held on Monday, November 4, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Terry Fulk officiating. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. Visit with Maxines family and friends on Sunday, 3-5 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Calvary Christian Schools. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.

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