1928 – 2024
Dr. Marcella M. Maxwell, who lived a golden life of 96 years as a renowned educator and champion of social justice. transitioned on Thursday, March 21, 2024 in New York City. Throughout her illustrious career that spanned seven decades, Dr. Maxwell was well-known as a civic leader in the engagement and empowerment of women and much sought after organizer of seminars, workshops, and conferences that addressed issues of intergenerational health, community and fund development, and government relations. In her latter years, Dr. Maxwell worked closely with the Health Advocates for Older People and Harlem Advocates for Seniors.
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The erudite Dr. Maxwell was also the founding dean and clinical supervisor of teaching fellows at Medgar Evers College in the City University of New York. In this role, Dr. Maxwell trained and mentored teaching fellows to foster their professional development; organized collaborations among principals, teachers and other faculty; spearheaded team-building seminars, curriculum design and development; and, initiated instrnctional strategies and methods.
Dr. Maxwell distinguished herself as a Commissioner of Human Rights and Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women under New York City Mayors, Ed Koch and David Dinkins. She was committed to vohmteerism, as demonstrated in the leadership roles she played as a platinum (50-year) member of the Greater New York Chapter of The Links, Inc., lifetime member ofthe NAACP, lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in which she was celebrated as the NGO representative for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at the United Nations. She was also a proud, loyal member of The Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York, who served on Abyssinian Development Corporation Board of Directors, Chair of the Women’s Ministry, leader of the Golden Life Ministry and a member of the Health & Wellness Ministry, and the Welcome & Hospitality Ministry.
Marcella Maxwell successfully completed the extensive Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management Program at Harvard Business School, and received a master’s degree in elementary education from Long Island University; and her doctorate in education from Fordham University.
Well into her 90’s, exercise was at the top of Dr. Maxwell’s daily routine. She had a personal trai11er and participated in aqua aerobics at the Harlem Y and the 118th Street Jewish Community Center of Harlem.
She is survived by her grandson, Vaughn Young, and wife Charisse, and two great-grand daughters, Story and Journey.
Tributes to Dr. Maxwell
I join many of you in trying to accept the sudden and unbearable passing of a constant genuine voice of caring that was Dr. Marcella Maxwell.
Dr. Maxwell was an extraordinarily powerful advocate for our children and seniors. Through her sincere affection for the most vulnerable members of our collective communities, she dutifully amassed an array of evidenced based practices that resulted in methodologies used today. She cultivated a cadre of partnerships dedicated to the causes of aging healthy, intergenerational programming, empowering women, and grassroots collaborations, all while being an ever-present on the platform for social justice. Dr. Maxwell’s civic leadership was forcefully compelling and yielded incredible results that drew praise from far and wide.
Her mighty deeds were also called upon to lead the Commission on Human Rights, Chair the Commission on the Status of Women under former New York City Mayors Edward Koch and David N. Dinkins. Dr. Maxwell would also be tasked to become the founding dean for City University of New York’s Medgar Ever College where she would also serve as clinical supervisor for teaching fellows.
We have truly lost a champion whose void will surely impact us all, but she entrusted us with the tools necessary to complete her vision of a better society. Let us take up the baton and march toward that goal. – New York State Assembly Member Inez E. Dickens
I first met Dr. Marcella Maxwell when I was in law school and assisted my mother, Eleanor Kennedy, with selling her ladies’ attire and jewelry at the Plaza Hotel during the Annual Easter Luncheon of the Greater New York Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Dr. Maxwell invited my mother to participate and was one of her steadfast customers throughout the years. Dr. Maxwell was instrumental in my becoming a member of the Greater New York Chapter of the Links. I was honored to call Dr. Maxwell a friend, a Links sister when I was in the chapter, a fellow NAACP member, a sister in Christ, and church member. I affectionately called Dr. Maxwell “Lady Marcella” because of her elegant and refined nature, who commanded a stately presence in her St John’s suits. Dr. Maxwell exuded compassion and tirelessly worked to actively engage seniors, ensure that they lived with dignity and respect, and for them to remain active participants in the tapestry of their respective communities. She opened doors for countless persons and supported the careers and professional advancement of many, including myself. I will miss “Lady Marcella” and will be forever grateful for her friendship and support.
Lovingly submitted,
Hon. Tanya R. Kennedy, Associate justice, Appellate Division, First Department, Supreme Court of the State of New York
Dr. Maxwell was someone that I have known for many years, and I have really appreciated the attributes, values and principles that guided her life and how she empowered anyone that met her. She accomplished so much and held many titles of importance and notoriety, but she understood her goal to change lives, to help another and always put your best foot forward. She did not miss a birthday, anniversary, or an occasion to celebrate another person. The institutions and organizations supported by Dr. Maxwell were blessed with this person, who understood the platform she had, and she used it to make a difference in this world. The space – the time – that Dr. Maxwell occupied on this earth is an example whose faith is the central principle that guided her life and lived her life that where is given, much is required. She gave so much, shared so much, she lived her life to the fullest and I thank God for her and what she gave me and my family, in her time, her support and her love.
Hon. Michele Rodney, Justice of NY County Supreme Court, Criminal Term
Last week we lost a truly remarkable woman, Dr. Marcella Maxwell. She was a wonder to behold, full of life, vitality, and love. She truly loved her Links, and I will always be grateful for her friendship and wisdom. We were Co-Chairs of the Health & Human Services Facet of our Greater New York Links chapter and together founded the Elder Community Partnership of over 5 Seniors’ organizations with 25 or more additional groups joining us for various programs. For 14 years we held our coalition together sponsoring forums and seminars for Seniors through our community; Harlem, Washington Heights, East Harlem and even Chinatown. We have had a successful and, as Marcella would say, an amazing success reaching out to those Seniors in need. She always believed we should do more, reach out to more, include more. A lot of work but satisfying to both of us and the coalition of partners we worked with and expanded. We became very close over the years, often speaking several times a day.
On the day she was admitted to ICU, she was calling me to discuss and make sure the program we were currently working on came to fruition. I promised Marcella it would be done and be successful; it was – the morning you passed. We were at your beloved Abyssinian Baptist Church praying for you. God Bless you and keep you dear Marcella; in your name we will carry on. I will miss you more than you know, R.I.P. – Michelle D. Stent, Esq.
It is with heavy hearts that we, the members of the Greater New York (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, mourn the passing of our beloved member, Dr. Marcella Maxwell and extend our deepest condolences to her family. As the Chapter President, I speak for our entire organization when I say that Dr. Maxwell’s legacy will forever be cherished and celebrated.
Dr. Maxwell was not just a member of our chapter; she was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and compassion within our community. Her unwavering dedication to service and her commitment to uplifting those around her left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
As a distinguished member of our chapter, Dr. Maxwell embodied the core values of The Links, Incorporated. She was a trailblazer in her field, a mentor to many, and a beacon of hope for those in need. Her contributions to our community were immeasurable, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the honor of working alongside her. In recognition of Dr. Maxwell’s extraordinary life and legacy, we express our profound gratitude for her service and leadership. Her tireless efforts to make a difference in the lives of others will continue to inspire us for years to come.
To Dr. Maxwell’s family and loved ones, we offer our sincerest condolences during this difficult time. May you find solace in the memories you shared and the impact she made on so many lives. In remembrance of Dr. Marcella Maxwell, let us strive to carry forward her spirit of compassion, generosity, and dedication to service. She will forever hold a special place in our hearts and in the history of the Greater New York (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
With deepest sympathy,
Lesley Horton Campbell, Esq., Chapter President, The Greater New York (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Rest Eternal Grant Her Oh Lord and Light Perpetual shine on her. – Una Clarke
The loss of Marcella Maxwell is just starting to be felt, I will remember her as a champion for all people, young and old. She was an outstanding human being; I will miss her – Honorable Charles B. Rangel, US Congressman, 1971 – 2017
I will always remember her calling me weekly and how she always spoke about my husband and she nick/named him “sergeant “ because that was his rank in the army— she would ask how is the sergeant doing today. And we both will miss her cards for birthdays, anniversaries,get well wishes and good will wishes. – Olga Dais
Reflections on the Life of Dr. Marcella Maxwell
I feel truly blessed for having known and worked with Dr. Marcella Maxwell for over 34 years in various capacities including organizational, community, civic, religious, and political. She was a friend, leader, confidant, dream maker (and so much more) that made it possible to create and have many wonderful memories that I will forever cherish!! Such a giving and sharing person who enjoyed connecting people that, in many cases, led to longstanding friendships, outstanding professional careers and meaningful working relationships. Link Marcella was the iconic ‘networker”. I am certainly a benefactor of her generous support and guidance that led to appointments by the Links, Incorporated and various speaking engagements for women organizations and other professional groups. My birthday, August 6, was the same day for her mother so in addition to the beautiful cards, I was treated to brunches. Memories of her authenticity, thoughtfulness, generosity, and deep desire to be of service and make a difference in people’s lives, are paramount.
In speaking about her own journey, Dr. Maxwell often referred to the four pillars that included: (1) Mentorships that directed and guided her development and growth in organizational effectiveness locally, nationally and globally through the Links and UN where she served as NGO Representative for the Links, Incorporated; (2) Partnerships Building with corporations, businesses, elected representatives, education institutions, foundations, community and non-profits to support programs and transform lives; (3) Health and Wellness promotion that educated seniors to meet the challenges of aging gracefully; and (4) Being a Role Model to support her many mentees by willingly sharing her time, knowledge, experiences, resources, and “Rolodex” to engage and connect people across diverse interests and backgrounds for the exposure to new people.
Gone but never forgotten! Dr. Marcella Maxwell’s works and virtuous deeds have left an indelible legacy upon which to build for generations to come! – C. Virginia Fields, President and CEO, NBLCH
