Homegoing Celebration for

Transcription

1 Homegoing Celebration for Sis. Nina M. Maxwell It is Well with My Soul Sunrise September 14, 1935 Sunset November 10, 2017 Saturday November 18, 2017 Visitation: 9:00 a.m. Service: 10:00 a.m. New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church 740 East 77th Street Chicago, IL Rev. Stephen J. Thurston Pastor/Officiant

2 Obituary Nina Marie Green Maxwell was born the third of four children to the late Willie L. Green and the late Mary E. Mathis on September 14, 1935, in Stanton, Tennessee. She was the only daughter in a family of boys: Ripley Leo and George Earl (who passed away as children); and William Green. She attended Douglass Jr. High School in Stanton, where she was an honor student, and described by her teachers as diligent and studious. In 1939, Nina s father passed away suddenly, leaving her mother to raise two small children. In 1942 at the age of seven, Nina accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at Douglass A.M.E. Church in Stanton, Tennessee, under the leadership of the late Rev. Ragland. In 1945, Nina s mother married Robert F. Bolton, a widower with a son, Robert Jr. Nina was blessed with an extra brother and they were raised as siblings within this newly-blended family. In 1946, her family relocated to Chicago, where she attended J.N. Thorpe Elementary School and graduated from Bowen High School in Her grandmother had aspirations for her to attend Jackson State University, but Nina s true desire was to become a wife, mother, and homemaker. In 1957, she married her childhood sweetheart, Joseph. Their union produced five children and nine grandchildren. They were blessed with 54 years of marriage; this year would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. In 1965, Nina and Joseph joined Christian Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. H.B. Brady, for whom she often credited with solidifying her walk with Christ. In 2006, Nina united with New Covenant Baptist Church in Chicago, under the leadership of Rev. Stephen J. Thurston. She was grateful for his leadership in the continuation of her Christian journey. Of her many attributes, Nina s compassion for the underdog best describes her legacy. She was a modern Good Samaritan who stopped to help people that others passed by. She was a praying woman with extraordinary faith; an elegant woman who carried herself with grace and humility. Nina had a personal mission to introduce others to Christ and to touch every life she encountered. Daughter. Nina was extraordinarily close to her mother. If she was not home with her children, she was home with her mother. When her mother became ill, Nina, alongside her siblings, cared for their mother until her death in 1998.

3 Wife. Nina and her husband Joseph were meant to be together. She first met him at a square dance in 1944 as an eight-year-old girl. They reunited several years later as young adults and the two were arm-in-arm until his death in Nina stuck by her husband personally and professionally as a loving, caring, devoted wife and supporter who helped him for years successfully operate his supermarket and manage his insurance agency. Mother and Grandmother. Nina often stated that her proudest role was being a mother. She raised her children in church and taught them how to pray. She adored her grandchildren and was happiest when surrounded by her family. Sister. Though she loved her brothers equally, she often stated of her brother William, I could not have asked for a better sister than my own brother. He was there for her whenever she needed no task too great, no hour too late. She prayed fervently for her brothers well-being and for their walk with the Lord.

4 Aunt. As an aunt, Nina was a pillar of strength in both her family and her husband s family. Everyone loved Aunt Nina and knew that if they saw Uncle Joseph, she was not far behind. Nina lived to become the oldest-living aunt on her side of the family and the second-oldest living in her husband s family. She loved her nephews and nieces as if they were her own. Cousin. Nina loved her cousins as if they were siblings. The Currie-Green family of cousins often bragged that they were double kin, and they often reminisced about growing up in the country. She always looked forward to her family reunions particularly to spend time with her first cousins whom she absolutely adored. Even though she was fighting illness, she was determined to attend her family reunion in Stanton, Tennessee this past July. Friend. Nina had a way with people that drew them to her. Her deep resolve in Christ made her an anchor for many people who sought counsel and a shoulder to lean on. She was incredibly trustworthy and reliable. During her senior years, she enjoyed being part of the Golden Girls, a Christian social group with which she shared many happy memories. Neighbor. Nina could be described as an ideal neighbor, viewed by many as the mother of the block. She had an especially close bond with next-door neighbors Karl and Joyce Dixon her Neighborhood 911. She was also thankful to Officer Mike and Shelly Rowan for the many delicious home-made meals they brought across the street to her and to Cheryl Curtis for her kindness. Collectively, they enriched her life after the passing of her husband. Church Leader. Nina served many years as head of the Deaconess Board and President of the Mission Board during her tenure at Christian Hope Church. She was also a Sunday School teacher, member of the choir, and Women s Day coordinator. On November 10, 2017, Nina passed away exactly as she asked the Lord: surrounded by her children in her home, with the words, We love you in both ears. Ironically, the first snowfall of the season occurred the morning of her passing perhaps a symbol that her transition in Christ made her as white as snow. Her life ended the same way she lived it: with dignity, integrity, and grace.

5 Nina was preceded in death by her parents, William L. Green and Mary Elaine Mathis Green Bolton; two brothers, Ripley Leo Green and George Earl Green; paternal grandparents Tommie and Roxie Graves Currie of Stanton, TN; and maternal grandparents John Bell Mathis and Fannie Bell of Stanton, TN. She leaves to cherish her memory, her immediate family, her children, Renita Marie Maxwell Turner (Stephen) of Orlando, FL; Janet Lynn Maxwell Gant (Donald) of Bolingbrook, IL; Joseph Maxwell III (Maria) of Mt. Prospect, IL; Kenneth Cornelius Maxwell of Chicago, IL; and Karl David Maxwell of Washington, DC; her grandchildren: Donald, Daniel, Brittany, Tyler, Joseph IV, Jordan, Alana, Shawna, and Joshua; two brothers, William Green of Schaumburg, IL; and Robert Bolton, Jr. of Chicago, IL; a sister-in-law, Carrie Woodland of Detroit, MI; brother-in-law Lonnie Woods of Los Angeles, CA; and countless cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and other loved ones.

6 Weep Not For Me Weep not for me though I have gone Into that gentle night Grieve if you will, but not for long Upon my soul s sweet flight I am at peace, my soul s at rest There is no need for tears For with your love I was so blessed For all those many years There is no pain, I suffer not The fear is now all gone Put now these things out of your thoughts In your memory I live on Remember not my fight for breath Remember not the strife Please do not dwell upon my death But celebrate my life Tribute from Your Children If Roses Grow in Heaven by Dolores M. Garcia If roses grow in heaven, Lord, please pick a bunch for me Place them in our mother s arms And tell her they re from me. Tell her that we love and miss her, And when she turns to smile, Place a kiss upon her cheek And hold her for a while Remembering her is easy We do it every day But there s an ache within our hearts That will never go away.

7 Tribute From Your Brothers Our Dear Sister, We saw you grow from a little girl with ribbons in your hair to a beautiful woman whom we could be proud of. Being the only girl, we felt the need to protect you. No matter what changed in our lives, we could always count on your love. We will always remember the laughter and good times we shared. There is a void in our hearts that could be filled only by our sister, but our memories of you will be in our hearts forever. Tribute from Your Grandchildren My grandmother lived a life that was full of joy and happiness. Whenever I think about her, I remember her laugh, warmth, and how loving she was. Most of my childhood memories of her are tinged with traces of humor and laughter. It was a blessing to be around her; she loved her family and loved spoiling her grandchildren. I remember when staying the night at our grandparents house, my mother would often direct us not to eat junk food late at night. My grandma would overrule my mother s decision by letting us have anything we asked for. We told our mother, If Grandma says yes, then it is the highest chain of command. There was nothing that she wouldn t do for any of us. Grandma, I have so many wonderful memories of you. One thing you have always instilled in me was to trust the Lord with all of my heart, and allow Him to guide my path. I will forever miss you and love you. It has been a privilege and honor to have been your grandchild. Written by your oldest grandchild on behalf of all your grandchildren, Donald M. Gant Tribute from Your Nephews and Nieces Aunt Nina, it was always a wonderful treat to visit with you. As children, we almost idolized you you were beautiful, graceful, loving, and the essence of unconditional love. Throughout our lives, you gave some of the best hugs and kisses. We remember your gentle whispers of Hi Precious, Bless your sweet heart, and Aunt Nina loves you. You were always so proud of us, and no task was too small or menial for you to praise us. Your advice came from a place of love and those words always stayed with us. And no matter our circumstances, whether in times of joys or sorrow, we always had the assurance that you were praying for us always. You taught us perseverance because during your illness you never complained. We saw how your faith sustained you and we were strengthened by your example. As you unassumingly took on the role as a great matriarch for our family, you were there, as the representative from our parents generation, to console and guide us. We honor you, we thank you for being the best kind of aunt, and we will always hold you close in our hearts. We offer our good-byes and say individually to you those same words with which you always ended our phone calls and visits, I love you.

8 Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

9 Serenity Prayer God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

10 Order of Service Memorial Period Call to Worship... II Timothy 4:7-8 Minister: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Congregation: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. Hymn of Consolation... What A Friend We Have In Jesus What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Ev rything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Ev rything to God in prayer! Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; In His arms He ll take and shield thee Thou wilt find a solace there. Scriptures...Minister Ecclesiastics 3:1-8 and John 14: 2-3 Prayer...Minister Music of Comfort...Bro. Kenneth Maxwell (Son) Remarks... Sis. Dorothy Owens (Cousin) Tribute from Her Children...Dr. Karl Maxwell (Son) Resolutions...Deacon & Deaconess Ministry New Covenant M.B. Church Acknowledgement and Obituary... Church Clerk Music of Comfort...Bro. Elijah Thomas Message of Comfort... Rev. Stephen J. Thurston Benediction/Recessional

11 Acknowledgements The family of Nina Maxwell extends our deepest appreciation for the many prayers, visits, comforting words, and loving acts of kindness extended to us during this period of bereavement. May God bless each of you. In my Father s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you so. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3 Final Arrangements Entrusted To Minor-Morris Funeral Home 1018 W. 79th Street Chicago, IL (815) Pallbearers SONS-IN-LAW Donald J. Gant Stephen Turner GRANDSONS Daniel Gant Donald M. Gant NEPHEWS Jeffrey Green Marcus Green LOVED ONES Karl Dixon Mike McGinnis Honorary Pallbearers Rev. Lee Ivy Brown, Jr. Dan Delk, Jr. Floyd Delk Tommie Delk James Foreman Cecil M. Giles Herschel Giles Elijah Thomas Al Williams Interment Beverly Cemetery So. Kedzie Avenue Blue Island, IL (708) Programs by Nina s Niece Edith Giles Williams Stanton, Tennessee Repast (Immediately Following Interment) Christ Universal Temple Banquet Hall South Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL (773)

12 Together Again