Her Story…

Born to the late Will and Ora Weathersby on June 23, 1948, Sister Maxie Jewel Weathersby began a life that indeed would make her a "precious Jewel" to all who knew and loved her.

She joined the Greater Dry Ridge M.B. Church at an early age and was baptized there. Sister Maxie's formal education began at the Madison School located in the Dry Ridge Community. She later attended and graduated from Harper High School in Mendenhall, Mississippi, and went on to attend college at Prentiss Institute, Prentiss, Mississippi. After college, Sister Maxie continued her journey in California and joined the Rock of Faith M.B. Church. She enjoyed life in the city as she raised her daughters and developed many lifelong friendships in her community. In 1986, she returned to her childhood home to take care of her mother. Upon her return home, Sister Maxie did not waste any time! She reunited with her home church and actively served in many capacities. But the most rewarding experience of her life was wearing the title of "Godmother," as she opened her arms to many children and loved them as her very own.

Preceding Sister Maxie in death were: parents, Will and Ora Weathersby; sisters, Mary Barnes and Amanda Magee; brothers, Otis, Burnham (Jake), and Lee Estus Weathersby; and goddaughter, Carolyn Ann Bullock.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: daughters, Kevonise Johnson Boss (Johnny) and Jenise Brown (Cliff); six grandchildren, Kenneth (Tara), Khalil, and K'maya Johnson, Jeniyah, Jabrien, and Johkim Brown; four great grands, CorDarrion, Taleijah, Tamiya, and Kenneth, Jr.; godchildren, Sharon Ellison, Derrelle (Kristy), Derrick, Jr., and Jamel Walker; one brother, Will L. (Earlene) Weathersby; one sister-in-law, Carolyn Weathersby; one brother-in-law, Mervin Magee, along with Bro. Wilmon C. and Sis. Marilyn Dampeer; special cousins and sisters, Verlee Perry, Earlene Diggs, Sarah Walker, Floree Magee, and Teresa Myers; a special niece, Annette (Chef) Barnes, who always prepared special meals and organized the best family gatherings; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends and especially Carolyn Ann's children "The Hat's Crew!"

Sister Maxie's Occupational Journey

As Sister Maxie settled into life in California, she began working as a telephone operator for the V.A. Medical Center. She was also a faithful member of the Rock of Faith Missionary Baptist church where she actively and faithfully served. Upon returning to Mississippi, Sister Maxie continued her good work ethic and was employed by the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery V.A. Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. She retired with 28 years of service. As a member of the Greater Dry Ridge M.B. Church, she was on fire for Jesus and got busy serving locally and abroad within her community: Assistant Church Clerk, Choir President, Pastor's Aide, Program Committee, The Mission: WIA and the Senior Mission (Bible Teacher), Zion Springleaf District Mission President. Sister Maxie certainly wore a "lot of hats!" She was a local disc jockey for radio station WSJC in Magee, Mississippi and served as secretary for the Highway 28 Water Association.

A life well lived and a life full of service with a smile. We thank God for blessing us with such a "Jewel" of a Woman in Sister Maxie Jewel Weathersby. This is "Her Story," yet God gets "The Glory!" Amen!!