Maxine was born on February 1, 1932, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late McClelland Matthews Sr. and Hazel White Matthews.
Maxine’s life was a shining example of love, faith, and adventure. Her unwavering commitment to her family, church, and community was a testament to her character. From an early age, she embraced her faith, becoming a dedicated member of Our Lady St. Rose Catholic Church. Later, she found a spiritual home at Grace Tabernacle Family Life Center under the leadership of Pastor Mark Dupree Sr.
During her grade school years, she attended KCK public schools. She was a very involved student as a Majorette and was a proud member of the Sumner High School Class of 1950.
On December 23, 1958, Maxine united in marriage with the love of her life, Alonzo Jamison Sr. Their bond was unbreakable, filled with shared laughter, travels, and cherished memories. Maxine’s professional journey included 32 years as an auditor at Robinsons Shoe Company, alongside owning and operating Drexel Drugs with Alonzo, where she delighted in reminiscing about her days at the candy counter.
Maxine’s love for life was infectious, whether engaging in lively discussions with her classmates or indulging in her passion for shopping. She was known for her sharp intellect, particularly in matters of history, and her love for watching politics. Maxine’s heart overflowed with love for her pets, especially her cherished “Sweetie,” gifted to her by her great-great-grandson. She loved Kansas City, especially her hometown teams, the Chiefs and Royals.
In her final months, Maxine found solace and joy in simple pleasures. She enjoyed Sunday drives with her favorite chauffeur Virgil, visiting various towns and sharing entertaining tales, including the infamous ‘Wiggle In and Wobble Out.’ She cherished dining out, with breakfast being her favorite meal, and relished in the company of loved ones. These moments of joy and togetherness were a testament to the love and happiness that filled her life.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and siblings: McClelland Matthews Jr., Betty Jean Brown, and Joanne Wilson. She leaves behind her loving grand-daughter Joyce Jamison-Smith (Virgil), sisters Clarice Sanders and Brenda Joyce Matthews; step-granddaughters Kelly Jamison-Wilde, Terri Hunt, and step-grandson Alonzo Jamison III; great-grandchildren Kristi L Smith High (Kareem), Melissa Wilde, Quintin Wilde, Tori Papageorge, and Alex Hu, her great-great-grandson Kaleb Jordan High, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Maxine’s memory will forever be a beacon of love and inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, faith, and adventure will continue to guide and uplift us.
In her honor, let us remember the Serenity Prayer she held dear, embodying the grace, courage, and wisdom that defined her life.
"God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference."
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