Maxine Lovetta Ebo

Born: At sunrise on December 13, 1926 in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Rested: At sunset on September 21, 2024 in Rancho Cordova, California.

Maxine Ebo, daughter of Joseph Israel Groves and Albertha Veada Simms Groves, was born on December 13, 1926 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Maxine was only five years old when her mother passed away. Her father moved his family from Oklahoma to Texas, where a village of family members helped raise Maxine and her siblings. She accepted Christ at the age of ten, while living with her Grandma Joe Anna and Grandpa Israel in Oakwood, Texas. She was baptized by the Minister of Oakwood Chapel in a small waterhole near the church. She had fond memories of her Grandpa teaching her scriptures, and sitting in the front pew in church next to her Grandma each Sunday. Maxine also lived with several other family members throughout her childhood, in Texas. She graduated from Anderson High School in Austin, Texas, and was Valedictorian of her class of 1944.

Maxine received a college scholarship and attended the University of Tilletson in Austin, Texas. While attending Tilletson, Maxine was recruited for a civil service position in Washington, D.C. Since her scholarship only covered one semester, and there was no financial support available for her to continue with college, she accepted the civil service position and moved to Washington, D.C. In December, 1951, a friend introduced Maxine to Walter Ebo, Master Sergeant in the Air Force. They were so smitten with each other, that this introduction soon developed into holy matrimony, and they were married on June 21, 1952. As a military family, Maxine's life journey continued to require many moves across the United States. During Walter's military assignments, they were blessed with two sons, Vincent and Timothy. When they settled in California, they were blessed with their third son, Stephen. After Walter's final assignment at Mather Air Force Base, Maxine and Walter established their home in Rancho Cordova, California. Maxine established her church home at Cordova Neighborhood Church, where she was a member from 1963 to her home going on September 21, 2024.

Maxine wanted to be remembered as everyone's friend, and a peaceful neighbor.

Maxine was preceded in death by her mother, Albertha Veada Simms Groves; father, Joseph Israel Groves; husband, Walter Ebo; son, Vincent Ebo, and all seven of her siblings: Reedie Johnson, Rev. Boyd Groves, Robert Groves, Beulah Cooper, Elliott Groves, Clarence Groves, and Evelyn Groves, as well as special cousins, Benzell Evans, Sr., and Versiree Swatzel.

Maxine leaves to cherish her memories: sons, Timothy Ebo (Dana); Stephen Ebo; granddaughter, Cicily Ebo-Gammage (Deveral) and Patricia Ann Mook, Cicily's mother; great grandchildren, Amani Gwinn, Mi'Bella Gammage, Giana Gammage, Casmiro Gammage; niece, Elaine Groves Jacobs, who was like a daughter to Maxine, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Acknowledgements:

The family is grateful to Stephen for selflessly and tirelessly assuming the role of his Mother's primary caregiver. While her mind remained sharp, and her faith remained strong, Stephen was there for her as she slowly transitioned from an aging, but independent senior, to a 97 year old with an increasingly weakened body. With his unconditional love and devoted care, Maxine remained comfortable and safe in her home until she went to be with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Ebo family extends our gratitude to Dr. Mili Arora and her UC Davis Medical Center Oncology Team, who provided excellent care with the utmost compassion, respect, and patience. The family would also like to express gratitude to Hospice staff Marina and Joyce, who assisted with gentleness and genuine loving care. We have heartfelt appreciation to all of Maxine's family and friends who could not physically attend the service, but we are comforted, knowing that you will be with us in spirit.

A visitation for Maxine will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. A funeral service will occur Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 8201 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. A committal service will occur Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 8201 Greenback Ln, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

Pallbearers:

Leroy Groves, Deveral Gammage, Casmiro Gammage, Justin Vaughn

Honorary Pallbearers:

Stephen Ebo, Timothy Ebo, Keith Groves

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Resolution: Submitted by the Reedie Groves-Johnson Children

Our eyes with bitter tears Faith flow, and grief holds us enthralled. Yet, He is Lord of Life and Death His love reigns overall. We dare not question what He does the choice is His alone. We kneel before the Throne of God and say, “Thy will be done”.

Many thoughts are with you in the sorrow you must bear, in the passing of your loved one, Aunt Maxine. God, whose mercies never cease will keep you in your hour of need and grant you inner peace. For He said, “Come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest”.

We could move you to a great God who does everything well.

Sorrowfully submitted,

The Reedie Groves-Johnson Children: Anne, Charles, Bayonne, Opal, Portia, Jacquelyn, and Edwin🕊