Maxine E. Kelly

Maxine Lena Ellis Kelly was born on December 22, 1939 in Baltimore, Maryland to Lawrence Ellis, Sr. (deceased) of Petersburg, VA and Annie Esther Ellis (deceased) of Baltimore, Maryland. She was their third child of 5 born to the couple. Maxine was 6 years old when her mother died as a result of childbirth complications from her 6th pregnancy. Her father moved back to his hometown of Petersburg, Virginia to raise his remaining children and maintain all five of them in one household. Maxine graduated from Union Grove Elementary School and Carver High School in Petersburg. Ms. Kelly moved to Washington, DC in the 1960’s where she started working in childcare. She later got a job at Freedmen’s Hospital (now Howard University Hospital) where she was employed as an Operating Room Surgical Technician. She later transferred to the Respiratory Therapy Department as the Unit Secretary. During her tenure at Howard University Hospital, she pursued her Associate Degree in Business Administration at the University of the District of Columbia. She retired from Howard University Hospital after 30+ years of service. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, crocheting, bowling, dancing and singing. Her calling and mission in life was service to others. Her mottos were “If I can Help Somebody” and “I’m so Grateful” She loved to “help the seniors”. Maxine devoted her life to caring for family, friends and acquaintances. She expressed her commitment to her family by making frequent trips to Baltimore, Maryland to care for her ailing sister, Marie. She always made sure that the children in the family were well prepared for school by organizing their clothes for the week, providing them a daily breakfast as well as a safe trip to and from school. Maxine helped to raise generations of children. Although Maxine was devoted to her lifelong friends; Charlene Holmes, Phyllis Sinclair, Gwendolyn Shaw and Mary Hughes, her real love was Rock Creek Baptist Church. She became a member in 1962. She sang in several choirs over the years, including the Chancellor Choir and the Senior Choir. She was a member of the Usher Board, the Senior Usher Board, and the Missionary Board. She was the Church Secretary for a while as well. She remained an active member of the church until her recent long-term illness. Ms. Kelly is survived by her family and leaves to cherish her memory: Dear Brother, Charles Lawrence Topping Ellis of Petersburg, Virginia; Dear Sister-in-Law, Annie Mae Ellis (Horace), Nieces: Sylvia R. Medley (Gregory Phillips) of Washington, DC and Susan Ellis Porter (Terry) of Fort Washington, Maryland; Nephews: Benson D. Medley (April Medley) of Silver Spring, MD and Vernon Augusta, Jr of New Orleans, LA; Grandnieces: Sierra Medley, Morgan Medley; Grand nephews: Benson Medley-Childs, Malik Medley, Miles Medley and Marlon Medley. Maxine was preceded in death by her Father: Lawrence Ellis, Sr, Mother: Annie Esther Ellis; Sister: Marie Irene Ellis Medley; Brothers: Lawrence Ellis, Jr and Horace Ellis. And her two ex-husbands: John Roberts and John Kelly.

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Maxine E. Kelly

December 22, 1939 - July 9, 2023