The Life & Legacy China Mae Williams Maxwell was born on August 25, 1948 in Madison, FL to the late George and Dora Williams. After graduating from Suwannee River High School in Madison, FL, China relocated to Rochester, New York. China was employed for many years with Genesee Memorial Hospital.

In the summer of 1968, she met the love of her life in Rochester New York, James Henry Maxwell. They married on June 28, 1969 at Memorial AME Zion Church. Together they loved, nurtured, and cultivated ten children. China’s tenacity, strong will and fortitude were always displayed as she actively worked in her church and community. China wore many hats in her lifetime serving as President of the Pastor’s Aid Society, Boy Scouts of America Den Mother, Youth Director at Memorial AME Church, a paraprofessional for the Parochial school system in Rochester, New York. In June 1986 the Maxwell family relocated to Quitman, GA, where China continued her church and community activism. China was a member of Bethel AME Church for several years. Under the visionary leadership of the late Reverend Ronnie Averett, China was instrumental in the creation of The Calvary Christian Center of South Georgia. The Calvary Christian Center of South Georgia has been the beneficiary of China’s numerous financial gifts over the years. As a member China has served on the Trustee Board, Usher Board President, Chairperson of the Food Ministry, and “Mrs. Claus” for the annual Christmas program. For decades, China was a foster and adoptive parent. She was contributory in the organization of the South Georgia Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, where she served as the treasurer. China served on the Coastal Plains Development Authority Board, Executive Board Member of the Brooks NAACP, and as a member of the Brooks County Democratic Party.

China retired from the Brooks County Board of Education in 1992. China continued to work collaboratively with her husband in many entrepreneurship businesses as well as actively supporting his successful political career.

China Mae Williams Maxwell, transitioned from labor to reward on September 8, 2020 at South Georgia Medical Center, Valdosta, Georgia. China was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and two brothers. China leaves to cherish her memories her loving and devoted husband of fifty-one years, Commissioner James Henry Maxwell; seven sons, Stephen Maxwell, Valdosta, GA, Sterling Maxwell, Atlanta, GA, Sir’Mond Maxwell and Justin Franks, Quitman, GA, Edward Maxwell, Johtavious Maxwell, and Joshua Maxwell of South FL; three daughters Shonda Maxwell, Thomasville, GA. Beatrice Maxwell and TaTaneisha Maxwell of Tallahassee, FL.; two daughters in law, Michelle Maxwell, Valdosta, GA and Trease Maxwell, Atlanta, GA.; fifteen grandchildren, Le Joine, Aisha, Artrious, Malique, Tyrek, Harmony, Christopher, Kingston, Katelyn, Kalee, KD, Bestiny, Darius, Adrian, and Marcus; siblings: Edna Stephens, Eddie, Johnny, Tony, and Joe Williams; a special “little sister” Dr. Nancy Whitfield Dennard; family friend/physician Dr. Rose Horne, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A private celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 1PM with Pastor Delvin Boatman, eulogist. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the service. Continue to keep the Maxwell Family in your daily thoughts and prayers.