Charles Ronnie Maxwell

Dr. Charles “Ronnie” Maxwell was born March 18th, 1949, in South Bend, IN to the union of Charles and Florida (Williams) Maxwell. Ronnie passed away in the comfort of his own home on the morning of Sunday May 29th, 2022.

Ronnie was a proud husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Ronnie had a generous heart and a rare sense of humor that could cheer up any room; though often quiet, his presence spoke volumes in the lives of many both near and far. Ronnie loved his family, good food, watching his Westerns, sports (Notre Dame Saturdays ROCKED! as we tailgated from the couch - lol). Ronnie never had to make any of us go to bed, everyone ran to bed in hopes of falling asleep before he would – because if you didn’t, his snoring would surely keep you awake - lol! Ronnie accepted Christ at a young age, attending Grace AME Zion with his mom and dad. Ronnie maintained a lifetime connection to Christ and the Church; within each state he lived, he served. In Connecticut, he served at Mount Avery Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Fredrick Street; in Georgia, he served at Bethesda Baptist Church, where he was a faithful usher. Upon returning to Indiana, Ronnie joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where Rev. Keith D. Witherspoon is pastor. Following graduation from South Bend Washington High School, Ronnie obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University - Bloomington. Ronnie would later return to school to obtain his Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT and PhD in Family Counseling from Progressive Universal. Ronnie loved teaching and educating others; he served 33 years doing so throughout the states of Indiana, Connecticut, and Georgia. Upon retirement, Ronnie gave life to his passion for African American History and Indian Culture.

Loved ones travelling on before him include his grandson, Quentin Deriso; father, Charles E. Maxwell; his father and mother-in-Law, Arzel and Annie Ruth Jackson; two sisters, Gwendolyn Maxwell and Jacqueline Mitchell; two brothers, Val Dez and Bobby Maxwell; and a niece, Flora Maxwell.

Loved ones left to cherish Ronnie’s precious memories and uphold his legacy are his wife, NaThelma Maxwell; daughter, Candice Maxwell; sons, Fredando (Angela) Jackson, RaShad Maxwell, and Bishop Stephen Reed; mother, Florida Maxwell; grandchildren, Breaunna, Khalia, Sgt. Quavian Hammett, RaShad II, Braxton, Tatayana, Stephen, Christian, Nazia, and Landon; sisters, Rita (Vernon) Turner, and Carolyn Maxwell; brother, Bruce Maxwell; sisters-in-law, Mattie Jordan and Nancy Westbrook; brothers-in-law, Alvin (Deloris) Jackson, Sr., and Eddie Paul Jackson, Sr.; devoted nieces and nephews, SchaLisa (Rev. Terry) Tate and family (Miquaela, Florida, Christian), Allen, Flonita, Willie, Mikey, and Lisa; devoted friends, Dorothy C. Jackson, and Susie Ingram; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Services for Mr. Maxwell will be held on Friday June 10, 2022 at 12 Noon at the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 24393 Fillmore Road, South Bend, IN 46619. Visitation will be held an hour prior to services at the church. Pastor Keith D. Witherspoon will bring the word.

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