In Memory
MAXIE M. (NEELY) WHITAKER
Maxie Mae Whitaker Oct. 24, 1934 - May 20, 2015 SOUTH BEND - "I have fought a good fight, I finished my course, I have kept the faith. . ." 2 Timothy 4:7 Maxie Mae Whitaker (affectionately known as "Mama Maxie"), 80, of South Bend, Indiana, departed this life on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at 8:00 p.m. in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, Indiana. She was born on October 24, 1934, to the union of Malcolm and Allean R. Neely in Wetumpka, Alabama.
Maxie relocated to South Bend where she attended Washington High School.
On May 30, 1953, Maxie was united in matrimony to the late John H. Whitaker Sr. for a celebrated 50 years. She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age and became a member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in South Bend under the leadership of the late Reverend Henry Giden Sr. She later joined Greater New Vision Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Hardy Williams where she remained active until her health no longer permitted. At Greater New Vision she was a member of the kitchen committee and the mother's board. Mama Maxie and her husband both felt strongly that their children should be home with her and therefore she was a stay-at-home Mom. After her children left the nest, she continued to be the first stop after school for most of her grandchildren.
Maxie leaves to cherish her loving memory four sons, Larry (Sylvia) Neely of Tacoma, Washington, John H. (Jessie) Whitaker Jr., Dennis R. (Cheryl Buchanan) Whitaker Sr., Jerome Whitaker Sr.; two daughters, Christie Menyard, all of South Bend, and Tina (Larry) Bobbitt of Mishawaka. Grandchildren, Yvette Neely, Tyron (Virginia) Whitaker, John H. (Maria) Whitaker III, Sharita (Keith) Taylor, Dennis Whitaker Jr., Christina Perkins, Krista Menyard, Arrian Bobbitt, Ariyah Bobbitt, Danielle Whitaker and Jerome Whitaker Jr.; eighteen great-grandchild-ren; four sisters, Virginia J. Hicks, Brenda (Ricky), Ohio, Diane (Charles) Harris, Deborah Neely; two brothers, Ben Hicks, Jr., Donnie (Thelia Odom) Neely; sisters-in-law, Shirley Hicks, Bessie Whittaker, Louise Pack, Gloria Whittaker, Odessia Neal, and Velma Taylor; one Aunt, Elizabeth Whittaker. She also leaves a special cousin, Bessie Mae Piner, and devoted friend, Dorothy Thomas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Along with her husband, Maxie was preceded in death by her father, Malcolm Neely; her mother and stepfather, Ben and Allean Hicks Sr.; three brothers, Malcolm Neely, Freddie Neely and Joe Billy Hicks; sister-in-law, Helen Annette Neely; brothers-in-law, Jesse Neal and Joe Louis Taylor. Maxie enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Maxie took great pleasure in shopping and always had a keen sense of dress. Other fun-filled days included occasional trips to the Casino with her favorite sidekicks, Dennis, Cheryl and Christie.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2015, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, with viewing occurring from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary. www.Alfordsmortuaryinc.com
Published by South Bend Tribune on May 28, 2015.
05/28/2023 EJS
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