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.