Yvette Williams Maxwell

Psalm 23 Old Testament Scripture John 10:27-29 New Testament Scripture

Dr. Yvette Williams Maxwell was born in Summit New Jersey on April 19th, 1955 to the late Rev. Elmer and Virginia Williams. She transitioned peacefully into eternal life on November 28th, 2022 at home with her family at her side. Yvette’s early years were spent in Vauxhall New Jersey before moving to Pittsburgh PA where her late father was the Pastor at Sixth Mt. Zion Baptist church. Yvette learned to sing in church where she continued to so for the rest of her life.

She attended Clarion University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree and met her husband Eugene. She also was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. They were married on July 5th, 1980. She later earned a Master’s and Doctorate of Education. Yvette gave her life to the Lord at an early age and became a ordained minister in the UAME church where she served as a Pastor at Bethel New Life Ministries. She was a fierce intercessor who put the people of God first in everything she did. Her work included Prison Ministry, Youth and Children’s ministry and the Hospitality ministry. Yvette worked for the State of New Jersey in the Division of Developmental Disabilities for close to 30 years when she retired in 2014. In 2017 she moved to Smithfield Virginia to live out her retirement years closer to her family. Yvette loved to spend time in her garden and vacationing at her favorite places in Cape Cod Massachusetts and Benny’s Landing in Cape May New Jersey with her friend the late Dee Cooper.

She is survived by her husband Eugene and daughters Zerlina and Rebekah. She is also survived by her sisters Gail (John) Burney, Ellie (Steve) Tucker, Lydia (late Kenneth)Carter, Rhonda (late Sylvester) Pace, Janet (Wayne) McElveen, Glenn (Shawn) Williams, cousin Vincent (Melanie) Daniels and cousin and sister Chinita Pointer. She is proceeded in death by her Step Mother Marjorie Williams and her sister Brenda Brooks. She also leaves scores of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends along with her many “adopted Sons and Daughters”. Yvette’s favorite quote is “ I’m so glad we had this time together!”

A Memorial Service will be held 12:00pm on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Williams-Maxwell family in your prayers.  A celebration of Yvette’s Fabulous life will follow the memorial from 3-6pm at the Smithfield Station. 415 South Church St., Smithfield, VA 23430