Maxine E. Small

Maxine was born on October 30, 1933, in Sedley, Virginia, to the late Murdoch and Macie Majette Whitney.  The second of nine surviving children, she was deeply committed to the care of her family.  She was shaped by her parents’ values, professed her Christian faith at a young age, and took seriously her walk with the Lord.

Like many of her generation, Maxine migrated north, settling in Brooklyn, New York.  She remained closed to all of her family, but in New York joined her sisters Mildred and Ethel, all of whom became active members of Cornerstone Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Dr. Sandy F. Ray.  During Maxine’s decades at Cornerstone, she taught Sunday School, was a faithful member of the Baptist Training Union, and journeyed with Cornerstone to the Holy Land. Her commitment to the Lord and to her church eventually led to her being consecrated and placed on the Deaconess Board.

On January 2, 1960, Maxine vowed her love in marriage to Robert Small, and the union was blessed with two daughters and a son.  The Small Family made their home in Brooklyn where Maxine served in the classroom as a Paraprofessional at Public School 299 in Bushwick.  She undertook course work at Medgar Evers College, continuing to stretch herself as she stretched the students in her care.  Her love of children and dedication to their education and growth, no doubt left an important mark on the lives of the 1st and 2nd graders that she served during her almost 30 years in public education.

Maxine and Robert relocated to Columbia, South Carolina in the mid-1990s, where Maxine joined and served faithfully as a member of First Calvary Baptist Church.  As long as she was able, you would find her proudly marching and raising her voice in praise with the Jubilee Choir, with which she also enjoyed visiting other churches and celebrating their special Jubilee Days.

Maxine enjoyed the fellowship of community, and until the past few years could be found 3-4 days a week working out at the Parklane Adult Recreation Center or walking laps around the field at Meadowlake Park. She was passionate about crafts, crocheted beautiful blankets, and tried her hand at ceramics.  However, close family and friends knew she especially loved baking, and was known for her amazing sweet potato pies and bread pudding.

On Sunday, November 5th, God, in His perfect timing, called Maxine home from labor to reward.  She was preceded in death by her mother and father; husband Robert, daughter Brenda Boyd, and son Jeffrey Small; as well as her sisters Doris Carter, Ethel Harris, and Catherine Vick.

Maxine will forever be missed by the loved ones she has left behind including her daughter, Wanda Wilson; grandchildren, Maurice Small, Lance Boyd, Gerald Wilson II, and Khadijah Monet;  great-grandchildren, Tiana Small, Zamora Brooks, and Jayden Wilson; siblings, Mildred Haynes, Elwood (Pearl) Whitney, Shirley (Marvin) Belsches, Clementine Sims, and Marion Whitney; sister-in-law, Naomi Small; and a loving host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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