Mrs. Maxine L. Steele

On March 5,1928, Maxine Lillian Steele was the seventh of nine children born to the union of Ernest R. Steele and Romanye H. Moates-Steele. Maxine spent her early childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma before relocating with her family to Chicago, Illinois at the age of five. She attended Forest Field Elementary School and Jean Baptiste Point DuSable High School in Chicago. Maxine took her self-growth seriously and furthered her education in 1977. At the age of forty-nine she returned to school attending Debbie's School of Beauty Culture where she earned numerous awards. After moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin she received her license in Barbering and Cosmetology from the State of Wisconsin. In 1990 she earned a Master Certificate in the Better Living Series and in 1999 a Master Plus Certificate in the Better Living Series through the Johnnie Colemon Institute. Maxine was often found taking advanced courses in computer literacy and attending lectures throughout the state. Maxine was united in matrimony to Robert Williams (deceased). To this union three beautiful daughters were born, Marlene, Denise and Linda. Maxine accepted Christ as the head of her life at an early age in the Catholic Church. She later became a member of Light Streams for Better Living Center a Non-denominational New Thought Church, where her daughter Denise Williams Lockhart was the founder and minister. A few years ago she joined the faith community of the First Church of Christ Scientist, Brookfield, where she served and remained a faithful member. Upon graduating from high school, Maxine started her work career as a waitress, pharmacy clerk, and then acquired multiple positions at the Dolly Madison Bakery. After becoming a licensed beautician in Milwaukee, she worked for the Forever Yours Beauty Salon. She went on to work as a nursing assistant at Saint Michaels Hospital and a receptionist at Interfaith. She retired as a librarian of the Light Streams for Better Living Center where she was often known for "running" the bookstore. Maxine enjoyed retirement. She centered her life on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved being an active role model for them by participating in their school activities and volunteering when necessary. She enjoyed going out to eat or for coffee and nut bread with her boys Ethan and Evan after church. "Great Granny" as she was so affectionately called, would always be eagerly updated by the children on the latest news and events in their lives. She loved boasting about their academic achievements and successes, never missing a birthday or holiday and enjoying giving gifts. Maxine spent countless hours with her home caregivers, Indya, Denise, Mitchell and Cherie, creating memorable moments. She loved her new role as an overseer of Indya her youngest great-granddaughter whom she considered her partner in crime. Maxine's loving personality, abundant energy (feistiness) and caring nature brought joy and happiness to everyone she came in contact with. She was direct, honest and outspoken. She was fun and often considered a "hoot" by those who loved her. She enjoyed music and was a great dancer in her youth. She loved to dress and especially for church. She was always color coordinated and stylish, even her pajamas had to match as she greeted visitors. She embraced her healing practitioner, exercise coach and her hospice team (nurse, social worker, hospice aid, music therapist and massage therapist), as her extended family and welcomed their many calls and visits. All who knew and loved her will be forever grateful to have had her touch their lives and leave so many beautiful memories to cherish. Maxine leaves to celebrate her life and her legacy two daughters, Marlene Hewitt (Edward) of Santa Rosa, California, Denise Williams Lockhart (Mitchell) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Colleen Wagner, Yvonne Burt, Miel Schultz, Casey Lockhart and Cherie Lockhart; twelve great grandchildren, La Toya Goin, Marcus Goin, Taylor Gunter, Marissa Lockhart, Camyrn Wagner, Shavon Burt, Marada McGee, Jolesha McGee, Sophia Rose Schultz, Evan Lockhart, Ethan Lockhart and Indya Alexander; great -great grandchild, Kaleb Green; one sister, Marlene Gaston of Detroit, Michigan, and a host of fond nieces, nephews, cousins, god-daughter, Gayle Morris, and many many loving friends. Her daughter, Linda Odulate, a brother and six sisters, as well as her mother and father, preceded her in transitioning. All family and her family's legacy were very important to her.

Mrs. Maxine L. Steele

March 5, 1928 - November 15, 2018