ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Maxine Baxter, 88 years old, born on November 19, 1932, and passed away on February 6, 2021. We will remember her forever.

Life to the Max!
Maxine Baxter 
broke new ground as a young Black entrepreneur.  In 1962, she opened Maxine's Lamps and Lampshades with her husband and business partner, George. This {prestigious shop was one of the first Black-owned businesses in the area.  The shop located at 4160 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, California was in business for over 50 years.  Maxine and George knew they were on to something amazing.  Together, they laid the foundation for a respected, successful profession of manufacturing custom lamps and lampshades.  The company produced over 500,000 lampshades specializing in imported silks, linens, taffetas, velvets, and designer textiles. 

Maxine worked with set decorators, prop houses, studios, and an exclusive clientele, including some of the biggest studios in Hollywood; CBS, Sony Pictures, Disney Studios, Paramount Pictures, Dreamworks, Warner Bros and host of decorators, designers and independent filmmakers.

Adam DiGregorio of the "LA Times" wrote that "Maxine, has an eye for shape and proportion equal to that of any couturier. "  What made Maxine's lampshades so unique was that each shade was custom sized and crafted by hand.  In the decorating community, Maxine's was known as "The place to go."  Maxine's lampshades received many awards and accolades including being recognized in the "National directory of Who's Who with Executives and Professionals".

Maxine and George settled and raised their family in View Park, Los Angeles.  Maxine and George were hard workers for their community and in their church, Crenshaw United Methodist.  They received high recognition in 1999 by being awarded as "Black Trailblazers".

Maxine had a passion for traveling, collecting vintage fabrics, antiques and collecting art.  She was an avid reader, a gourmet cook and a fashionista.

Maxine was born in McGhee, Arkansas.  She was proceeded in death by her husband, George and her son, Larry.
She is survived by her children, Betty, Gregory, Ronetta, George Jr., grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.  Maxine made her transition on February 6, 2021.
February 6
February 6
Grandma, today marks year three without you here and it is tough not having you in this physical world. I am grateful to look at your pictures every day on my fridge, on my phone, my computer, just throughout the day, the small reminders that you are still very much present here just in a different form.
You have inspired me in so many ways, and I promise I am making you proud, walking out looking all fashionable, fit, healthy, and loving on people and family like you always did. I love you so incredibly much and when things get rough for me, I find myself slowing down and grounding back in your memory. You have left a legacy, and I promise you, I am chasing down the dream of becoming a doctor and growing the accessible care provided to black people across the world, centered on the loving nurturment you showed us all. I love you forever and always, please be proud of me, Lord knows we are all proud of you. I just want to be like you. I love you forever and always, so so so much!
-Your granddaughter
May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
It's Mother's Day. Which is usually one of our familys favorite days that extreme happiness is gone
. I wish you were here Mommy. Just so I could look at your beautiful face. And hear your voice which is like no other voice I've ever heard in my life. I miss you so much Mom.. How can I get over someone who has always been there for me in good and bad times seeing you everyday talking to me calling my name..No one says my name like you. I try not to be consumed with so much sadness and grief..I try not to scream and have a fit because your not here . I try to not wish I was dead so I could see you and Daddy. I'm trying rite now so hard not to sink into depression. But I have to be truthful sometimes that's how I feel. .I also feel your strong loving spirit around me in our house. I feel you telling me to be strong in the Lord. I feel you pushing me into positivity. To get myself together but most of all leave my troubled shatterheart to Jesus. Everything is will turn out in the end.Thank you Mom So with all my heart and soul I wanna say I miss you Mommy I love you Mommy Happy Mothers Day to the Best Mother who ever lived. Thank you for still guiding
me and watching over us your Daughter Sissy.
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
Hi Mom I know you feel the love from your dear sweet nieces who are like sisters to me. Your spirit is inside all of us. And we remember all that you and all the sisters have taught us. Because we are you. All my love forever. Your Daughter.
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
Dear Aunt Max, Missing those late-night phone calls and your beautiful smile.
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
What can I say .. missing you everyday
January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023
Greetings Auntie,
I laughed at Heather when she stayed with Ronetta last week. She told me she slept good and wished she could wake up to all that beauty every morning. When we were growing up I don’t me and Cissy even thought about how beautiful our environment is. Thank you for that blessing for that legacy being established that we can and our children can still experience beauty that folks never expected a little girl like you, from Dumas Arkansas to live. I’m blessed that you opened your heart and doors to me and my children still…Thanks Aunt Mac. Robin Gail
January 9, 2023
January 9, 2023
Dearest loving Mom thank u for being by my side during the holidays I can feel your presence near me. As I start 2023 I know I'm equipped with all the life lesson u and Daddy taught me. Everything u said is true about people life business and family. We're going to lean on those truths. Christian is a rock and foundation he has been by my side all this time. I thank GOD for him and Alex. Alex is getting himself together and is a good father to his children he's supportive to me and my heart is filled with pride. My grandchildren Jacob Kaila Aurielle and baby Autumn bring joy to my life. It's a blessing and I thank GOD. Little Auri will always remember you Mom. .. We all miss and love u so much. Thank you.
December 26, 2022
December 26, 2022
Your never not on my mind Mom. Thank you for helping me through Christmas and everyday. I love you forever Dearest Mommy
December 18, 2022
December 18, 2022
Dearest Mommy and Dad. Not a moment goes by that I don't think about things you taught me and lessons in life. Every thing u said was true. I get through it all with that knowledge and wisdom. Every day of my life. Thank you so much Mom I feel your motivating spirit next me me. Please stay. This Christmas is so hard not having u following me all around in person helping me But I know u are here alot. Christmas here was only special because u and dad made it happy especially you Mom. You know how I feel about you. No one was ever close to my heart like you. I love you forever and ever Dearest Sweetheart Mommy.
November 19, 2022
November 19, 2022
Happy Heavenly Birthday Aunt Max!
Your memories are alway's in my mind and love in my heart.
I miss your, How you doing hon" and you coming over on Sunday's.
Continue to be our Angel in Heaven with the rest of the family. We will see each other again one day.
Love you always
Shannon
November 19, 2022
November 19, 2022
Happy Birthday Dearest Sweetheart Mommy. We're celebrating the love you left us. I'm overwhelmed with it. I see and feel your spirit. Every day of my life. I'm not alone. I miss your beautiful voice saying my name. But I can hear it in my mind and heart. Thank you Mommy. For everything. I miss you so very much I wish you were here talking to me. 
November 19, 2022
November 19, 2022
Your birth was so sweet, your life was a legacy and your memory is a blessing. I love you so much, and i am thinking about you. I have such peaceful intentions for this thanksgiving and although it looks different than it once did, im grateful to be with family. Its not the same without you, but we are living and loving through you and all that youve done for us. We all know how busy this time of year always was for you, know we are tapping into that energy and holding love so close grandma ❤️
November 19, 2022
November 19, 2022
Hi Aunt Mac.
It’s right now that my eyes are filling up with tears that I realize that it was you that I called at the late midnight hour just to talk. How much fun we had talking about nothing for hours. Thank you for all of the things. Greg told me how my mom was his protector, you know when we made some unsavory choices, lol. But you protected me. I could call you anytime or show up anytime and you’d be right there.  Man…me and Cissy had two moms. Btw. I’m in Vegas bring me luck.
September 26, 2022
September 26, 2022
Mom amazing you. Always relevant you. I want to thank you . " Aurielle said to me "its morningtime Mom let's not forget church and she fell back asleep . I got up and got dressed and dressed her we went u your church Crenshaw United..I grabbed your Bible because I didn't see mine so we are sitting there and I'm looking at scriptures in your Bible and I see this folded paper it's a two page letter to my Son Alex written by you dated 2010 . I gave it too him the same day. He cried. He agreed with what you wrote he said about always honoring and trusting GOD , pray , talk and picture what u want in life. She was positive and pictured a successful business and being blessed. And GOD blessed you..I told Alex to cherish that letter. GOD put it there for me to find it.for him in that Bible all these years !.he's lucky no one else has a letter from Mom Thank you Mom for your help. With Love your daughter. 

.
September 22, 2022
September 22, 2022
DEAR GOD bless your holy name .I miss my beautiful Mother so very much. No one compares to you Mom. This house is not a home..for real. I'm trying so hard Mommy. The pain of u not being here is beyond my comprehension. I'm shattered on the inside. Nothing helps..My love for you will always be. Forever and ever..I love you.
August 20, 2022
August 20, 2022
I miss you so much Mommy. We should be attending this party together. My heart is so empty. All I can do is think of you and Daddy and how wonderful parents u were to us. And thank GOD everyday for you being in my life.. My Love is here Mommy.
May 29, 2022
May 29, 2022
Max and kid perfect sisters, perfect room mates, perfect friendship, perfect professionals. Ultimate business partners Perfectly beautiful, and blessed by God, had each other's back no matter what. I feel their love and guidance everyday. And I appreciate that.
May 27, 2022
May 27, 2022
Your love and gentleness lights my path, Auntie. I thank God that you and Ms. Norwood were besties. I’m so far away from Sisterbelle , but we try hard to be there for each other. Just like you and mom. Be at peace Auntie, be at peace.
May 21, 2022
May 21, 2022
Looking at your pictures on my wall… you are so beautiful.. I miss our talks.. I miss cooking with you… you are irreplaceable.. I love you so much
May 20, 2022
May 20, 2022
Hi Mom Gregory and I were having a nice conversation about you and Daddy today. My heart aches for you Mom. Mother's Day is not a big deal. Everyday is My Mother Day because every day I see u everywhere. I heard your voice. I see your smile. I Love and honor that. Everyday MOM I feel your Love and protection. I try my best to do things your way. "Thank you Lord and Thank you Mom.
April 29, 2022
April 29, 2022
Dearest Mom, This Easter my heart was so heavy. I know Easter was your favorite holiday other than Christmas. Our family had wonderful Easter celebrations you and Daddy made sure we were always in church. And we gathered as a family here at home afterwards. Mom I can never thank you enough for what you did for me. You and Daddy were appreciated more than you realized. A hour doesn't pass that I don't think about you. Your never not on my mind. Above all I thank Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ my rock and salvation. I couldn't have had more loving caring beautiful parents . I love you Mom.
February 17, 2022
February 17, 2022
I love you Mom. You were wonderful and Daddy was the best. I thank GOD for the extraordinary parents he blessed me with. Everyday of the remainder of my life I will do as u taught me , Put GOD first always pray which is as natural as breathing I will think about your forever love, honor your memory and do my best. I love you both so much ❤️
February 7, 2022
February 7, 2022
Grandma, I think about you all the time. I feel your love around, and your beautiful smile. Your strength keeps us strong. Loving you always.
February 7, 2022
February 7, 2022
Aunt Max, I miss you and love you forever.
February 6, 2022
February 6, 2022
Hellow Mr.& Mrs.Baxter. You both are LOVED & MISSED VERY MUCH . Please keep a special eye on your family. ❤
February 6, 2022
February 6, 2022
It’s been a year.. a year too soon. So many emotions go with today. I miss your face , your smile, your laugh, and our time together. You are my treasure I will hold for the rest of eternity. You are so precious. I love you ..
January 27, 2022
January 27, 2022
Dear Mom I tried to make your eggplant for Gregory. I called Mimi because we watched u make it so many times. It was pretty good. I'm tired I did alot of sorting out today. I sat down in a fairly new recliner chair. It was sorta comfortable but not really, Actually I'm never comfortable. Nothing comforting. It's always so obvious, my wholeness is gone inside my body. It hurts so bad Mom a dreadful feeling of empty. Nothing on this planet can compare to the love I still feel. Like my heart is about to explode. I miss you so much Mom. My love will always be for you, my hearts darling.
January 19, 2022
January 19, 2022
I miss you Mom. I'm in pain I need your voice mom I need your hand. You always comforted me when I was sick. I will close my eyes and imagine your rite here looking at me. And hearing the most beautiful voice my soul is connected to, easing this pain. Thank you Mommy. I know I'm not alone.
January 17, 2022
January 17, 2022
i love you grandma
i miss you.
i hope you’re happy among the stars and the clouds and the moon
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2021
Dearest Mommy. Somehow I got through Christmas. It was hard Mom. I made the dinner your way. Mimi and I exactly how u taught us. She knows everything. I love and appreciate her. I'm so proud of her. GOD blesses a child who has their own. Then blessings will be upon her all her life. She has done everything on her own She's smart and beautiful and handles her business like a true Baxter like you and Daddy showed us . Dear Mom I continue to thank Our Lord and Master for you and Daddy. I think about you Everyday. Everyday I feel the wave of Love you left for me and our family. Tonite is new years eve. I'm not excited. I'm grateful though Mom. 2021 was a rotten heart breaking year ....2022 will be better I pray our family will be closer to GOD,. to pray more and be blessed with good health, happiness financially secure and protected from all evil and violence. I pray the good Lord will lead Alex and send his guardian Angels to watch over him and help him. We all know GOD has a perfect plan for him. Like you and Dad always said and knew mom. Also I pray the Lord will lead me too. I love you Mommy always and forever your daughter Ronetta.
December 19, 2021
December 19, 2021
I love you so much Mom. What am I supposed to do with out you. I'm clueless. The empty feeling I have is like nothing I've ever felt before. Like my heart is hollow. I love and miss you beyond words. Forever missed my darling Mother.
November 26, 2021
November 26, 2021
Thanksgiving's here. I Love u so much Mom. I attempted your gumbo yesterday. It came out okay I guess . I cannot believe how many times I think your downstairs or in your room and I call out to you. How to do this or that. My questions to you..I expect to see you all day. This house is so lonely and not normal
with out your beautiful face and voice to fill it. I miss you so much Mom. You live in my heart forever . Thank you Mom for everything.
November 20, 2021
November 20, 2021
Happy Belated Birthday, Aunt Max. Love you and miss you and Uncle George dearly.
November 19, 2021
November 19, 2021
Happy birthday to the most Beautiful wonderful kindfull gentle loving mother in the whole wide world. Love you and Miss you so much. I think about you everyday mom. Enjoy life everlasting in Gods Kingdom. Hug my daddy and tell him how much I miss him too. We will ALL be Together one day! Love Georgie jr!
November 19, 2021
November 19, 2021
Happy birthday grandma. I think about you all the time but especially today. I love you so much
November 19, 2021
November 19, 2021
To the the most beautiful woman in the world. On your birthday we would always go to the plum tree and enjoy you on that day… now we just have memories. I know you with me in spirit. I love you and miss you so much. So much…
November 14, 2021
November 14, 2021
Hey Mommy I'm copying you around here. I know you and Daddy loved the holiday so I'm getting your pretty decorations out. With your ideas in my mind I can do this. I am still miserable without your beautiful face and voice but I can hear u say be strong and move forward. So I'm trying each day dear Mom. ALL my love to your forever and ever. Love Sissie
September 27, 2021
September 27, 2021
I hear you Mom. I will stop walking around here bare footed. I'm doing my best to get myself together. I redecorated the downstairs bathroom like we discussed. I used that beautiful fabric I showed you that looks like the open weave linen you used at the shop it's beautiful. Your taste is impeccable and I'm doing it exactly how you would do. Life is about trying to get it right. So I think of you and Daddy listen to my heart and remember everything I can that you both taught me. The best parents I could ever have. I cannot thank you enough. I'm here at our home, but I'm never alone. The good Lord is always with me helping me, calming my soul. Thank you mighty Lord. And I feel your loving presence dearest Beautiful Mom all the time. You are my Angel I Love you. Always have, always will. Your daughter Ronetta ❤️
September 3, 2021
September 3, 2021
Your spirit is with me Mom. I love you so much. I miss you so much. Trying to be strong. But I'm all messed up.
August 14, 2021
August 14, 2021
Dearest Mom of course I feel your amazing energy in your house. Writing here is just a small way to talk to you and honor everything you ever did for me which was alot. I could never thank GOD enough for my exceptional brilliant loving parents who did All they could for my brothers and I. Being forever wonderful. Living in my heart ❤️
August 13, 2021
August 13, 2021
Thinking of you . Kiss you on your forehead . I miss your smile and laugh life is not the same without you. So many memories. Much too soon . You are so darling I love you so much
August 1, 2021
August 1, 2021
Hi Mom You continue to be the most Amazing Beautiful Inspiring Brave woman I've ever known. You did Everything.
July 27, 2021
July 27, 2021
Giving thanks and glory to GOD. I'm living in your light Mom. Your beautiful spirit is needed to shine on our family. All the prayers you prayed and stored and saved and sang is helping us. "We my cousins and I are storing up those same prayers you, and Grandma said. For the rest of our lives. We love and thank you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
July 26, 2021
July 26, 2021
Bless the name of Jesus. Aunt Max please rally around your sisters and bring peace into the hearts of your daughters and nieces. We need all of the love and support from heaven. I love and miss you dearly.
Robgail
July 25, 2021
July 25, 2021
You live in my heart Mom. I'm trying to move forward. Oh GOD I miss her so much.
July 12, 2021
July 12, 2021
Dearest Mom "Missing touching your beautiful face dear Mommy. Missing hearing your little steps following me around the house and in our garden I feel your comforting presence that calms me. Above ALL I thank GOD and our Lord Jesus for you and Daddy. I thank him for the years I had my parents in my life. Thank you Lord. My parents made a impact in my life. My parents are not here. I pray Lord for you to lead me to do whatever your will wants me to do. I will obey you.
July 9, 2021
July 9, 2021
Dearest Mom "Robingale and I discussing Aunt Ruth and your cooking. We try!!! But it's just no use. If only we had written things down. I thank GOD I do have some of your recipes written. You did that for me. Thank you Mommy. I'm determined to get things right. And be like you. All my Love always, your daughter Ronetta.
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February 6
February 6
Grandma, today marks year three without you here and it is tough not having you in this physical world. I am grateful to look at your pictures every day on my fridge, on my phone, my computer, just throughout the day, the small reminders that you are still very much present here just in a different form.
You have inspired me in so many ways, and I promise I am making you proud, walking out looking all fashionable, fit, healthy, and loving on people and family like you always did. I love you so incredibly much and when things get rough for me, I find myself slowing down and grounding back in your memory. You have left a legacy, and I promise you, I am chasing down the dream of becoming a doctor and growing the accessible care provided to black people across the world, centered on the loving nurturment you showed us all. I love you forever and always, please be proud of me, Lord knows we are all proud of you. I just want to be like you. I love you forever and always, so so so much!
-Your granddaughter
May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
It's Mother's Day. Which is usually one of our familys favorite days that extreme happiness is gone
. I wish you were here Mommy. Just so I could look at your beautiful face. And hear your voice which is like no other voice I've ever heard in my life. I miss you so much Mom.. How can I get over someone who has always been there for me in good and bad times seeing you everyday talking to me calling my name..No one says my name like you. I try not to be consumed with so much sadness and grief..I try not to scream and have a fit because your not here . I try to not wish I was dead so I could see you and Daddy. I'm trying rite now so hard not to sink into depression. But I have to be truthful sometimes that's how I feel. .I also feel your strong loving spirit around me in our house. I feel you telling me to be strong in the Lord. I feel you pushing me into positivity. To get myself together but most of all leave my troubled shatterheart to Jesus. Everything is will turn out in the end.Thank you Mom So with all my heart and soul I wanna say I miss you Mommy I love you Mommy Happy Mothers Day to the Best Mother who ever lived. Thank you for still guiding
me and watching over us your Daughter Sissy.
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
Hi Mom I know you feel the love from your dear sweet nieces who are like sisters to me. Your spirit is inside all of us. And we remember all that you and all the sisters have taught us. Because we are you. All my love forever. Your Daughter.
Her Life

Life to the MAX! Memorial book

March 9, 2021
Maxine Baxter's Memorial Book
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Please read the "Life to the Max!"  (double click to open).
Recent stories

To My Daughter

March 25, 2021
Cissy, this is what  Aunt Max is saying to you when you feel her all around you..
My precious daughter I've seen your struggles and I've heard your silent tears. I cherished are time together, every minute of every year. You have been my baby girl since the day they put you in my arms. I am with you all the time in all of our memories together and my spirit flows through you.  You are my love and one of God's gifts to me. Continue to take care of the family and keep them all close for your daddy and me.  Love You Always.

Most beautiful person in the world...

March 9, 2021
Most classy lady eve
March 4, 2021
To my Granny,

I love you, I love everything about you. You are my beautiful angel. Every time I look at your face I see a real beauty.  I recall on many occasions I would sit and admire how beautiful your face is. You are my sunshine and always will be. You helped raise me and made me feel so loved. You made sure I did not want for anything. It is incredible how a person can be so selfless. You always put others’ needs before your own. Granny, the only words I can describe for how I feel are confused and broken. I just don’t understand why it was so soon granny. We were not finished yet. You were always so healthy and robust. We prayed for your healing every day, but you were still called home. After a while, my prayer changed, and I prayed that your room would be filled with angelic angels that sang to you day and night nonstop. I prayed that the holy spirit would comfort you. I prayed that our father would whisper in your ear and let you know that everything was going to be ok. Even though you were alone, you were not alone in spirit. Your family was thinking and praying for you around the clock. I never imagined that when I left you at the hospital, that would be the last time, I would see my beautiful granny. I can sit and daydream for days about all the fun we had through the years. All the traveling, the good meals, shopping sprees, fun family times. I was so blessed to have a grandmother like you. A grandmother that I could call my own. You are so special to me. You are my sunshine, my star, my rock, and now you are my guardian angel. I adore you now and forever... Butterfly













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