Maxine Thomas

Maxine Thomas was born in Denver, Colorado on February 14, 1950 to her parents, Eliza and Willie McDowell Sr. She was one of four children born to this union and was raised with her siblings, Willis, Joann, and Jeanette.

As a child, Maxine loved to listen to music, sing in the choir and cook with with her mother. She was quite responsible and helped look out for her younger siblings when here parents were in need.

Maxine was educated through Denver Public Schools. She attended and later graduated from East High School in 1968.

She began a career working for the City and County of Denver as a Clerical Administrator. Those who knew Maxine in a professional setting would describe her as hard working, team oriented, and positive. She served with a spirit of excellence for 30 years.

In the late 1970’s, Maxine met a wonderful gentleman named Marvin Thomas. Their bond was inevitable  and the couple were joined in holy matrimony on February 14, 1979. This date was symbolic because it was both Maxine’s birthday and Valentine’s Day. Marvin and Maxine were blessed with the birth of their children, Elu and Onaga. They became amazing parents and continued to grow together as a family. Her children recall how amazing of a cook she was, how much effort she put into birthdays, how much she instilled the importance of a relationship with the Lord and education; along with how she managed to work a full-time job and be in tune with her children at all times.

To know her was to love her. Maxine was caring, loving, selfless and fun spirited. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, baking, going out to eat, getting her hair done, watching soap operas and movies. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Maxine’s grandchildren, Alexa-Blake and Alia Bryant were an additional source of pride and joy. She enjoyed spending quality time with them and spoiling them. Some of their fondest memories of their grandmother include her giving them kisses, spending Saturdays with them, and making them lots of baked goods.

Maxine served at several local churches of Christ and was devoted  in serving the Lord  for more than 40 years. She was an example to others and lived her life in a way that was admired by all who were blessed to have known her.

She joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 24, 2022.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eliza and Willie McDowell Sr., and her brother, Willie McDowell Jr.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 43 years, Marvin Thomas; her children, Elu Thomas, Onaga, Shawn McDowell and Ronald; grandchildren, Alexa-Blake and Alia Bryant; siblings, Joann and Jeanette; several nieces, nephews, other family and friends.