- Date Of Birth: August 29, 1922
- Date Of Death: August 1, 2022
- State: New York
Ida C. Maxwell, was born to Van Henry from StKitts and Adina Francella Perrin on August 29th, 1922 in Palma Soriano, Cuba. Speaking nothing but Spanish, she migrated to the country side of Westmoreland, Jamaica at a young age.
If asked where she is from, Jamaica is always her answer and will always be home to her.
Living with her Aunt, she was encouraged to take organ lessons in order to play for the Rollington Town SDA Church.
Around the age of 13 she moved into the city of Kingston, Jamaica where she set her roots. In her adult years, her mother sent for her to come to the United States. Living in Harlem she attended City Tabernacle and Ephesus SDA church. Her dedication towards her talent would never fail. She continued her studies with voice and piano lessons while living in the United States. When given the opportunity to be a part of a Broadway cast, she declined due to her religious beliefs that would have her to work on the Sabbath. For a year she corresponded via love letters with a childhood friend Alexander Maxwell affectionately known as “Alex” or Uncle “Viv”. The letters continued until one letter, “You are on the doorstep of my heart”. Love then lead her to England where she
married her beau in 1955. Missing her family, they moved back to the United States, White Plains NY and started their family. That union produced one daughter and now deceased stepson Donat Maxwell (Don).
After being a stay at home mom, Ida Maxwell entered the workforce at White Plains Hospital as a nursing assistant until her retirement. Retirement brought her great joy, she traveled and enjoyed her time with her only granddaughter. She loved reading, cooking, and watching Steve Harvey.
In 1994, she was diagnosed with Cancer, but that didn’t stop her. God covered her and she was able to fight and beat cancer and remained cancer free until her death. From that point on she became a vegetarian and studied in great depth the healing powers of food. In 2014 she suffered a heart condition but once again that could not hold her down. She bounced back and continued her work for the Lord and travel.
Sis Maxwell as known to her church family has dedicated her talents for the service of the Lord at First White Plains SDA church. She held many positions, such as the pianist for Sabbath School, Assistant Choir Director, and Soloist amongst many other things in the Music Department. When called upon to use her talents, whether playing for funerals, she would never say no. She was also famously known for being 1/3 of the trio with Sis. Davis and Howell reminding us to keep our lamps trimmed and burning. Outside of her service for the Lord, she has lent her voice to the music conservatory and the school of Music singing in various recitals/concerts. Her love and faith for the Lord has never failed her. One thing that no one can deny, that she loved the Lord. Sis Maxwell is a true testament to Psalms 37:25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
Sis Maxwell, Aunt Ida, Mackie, Miss Ida will be remembered by her daughter Pauline, Granddaughter Avery-Ann, many cousins, nieces, nephews, church family, neighbors, friends as the most humble, soft spoken, God fearing woman.
