Mother Maxine Parks

OBITUARY

Mother Maxine Alive Parks

Maxine Alice Parks (Satterwhite) was born on March 28, 1922, in La Junta, Colorado. She was the cherished daughter of Esther Barnett Guion. From her mother, she inherited a timeless legacy of resilience, unwavering devotion, and boundless love—qualities that defined her extraordinary life.An accomplished high school graduate with aspirations that included higher education, Maxine’s unwavering dedication to her family was the cornerstone of her existence.In a beautiful union with Acele Parks, Maxine cultivated a warm and loving home, nurturing and guiding their four beloved children: Jacquelyn, Michael, Karen, and her late daughter Joyce. As a mother, she approached each challenge with remarkable strength. Her love, fierce and steady, provided the foundation upon which her family thrived and flourished.Maxine embraced her professional journey as a Supervisor at the Air Force Finance Center, where her thirty plus years of service were marked by diligence and an infectious spirit. Her colleagues remember her warmth, evident in shared laughter during lunch breaks and in small gestures of camaraderie, like the time she kindly allowed a lead clerk to smoke in her office, a symbol of her enduring kindness and understanding. ` .Deeply rooted in her faith and community, Maxine served with passion and dedication as a long-time Treasurer at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, now known as Resurrection in the City. Her active involvement in organizations reflected her love for history, justice, and civic engagement. She was proud to be a charter member of the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center, continuing her daughter’s Joyce Parks legacy, as well as the National Museum of Black Americans in Washington DC the National Council of Negro Women, Black Tracks Genealogy, Legal Aid, and Les Lampions, a pioneering group formed for the advancement of Black women in civic leadership.At 103yrs old Maxine’s life was a testament to her resilience and wisdom, her presence was a beacon of strength, wisdom, and grace. Her friendships were deep, and her quiet courage inspired those who had the privilege to know her. Surrounded by family, she departed this world, April 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy rich in love and kindness—a testament to a life well-lived and endlessly cherished.Her legacy blossoms through her treasured descendants, who carry her spirit and love forward. She leaves behind her children, Jacquelyn Lee Upshaw, Joyce Esther Parks (deceased), Michael Allen Parks, and Karen Michelle Parks; seven grandchildren, Bridgette Paul, Jennifer Paul, Keith Paul, Jeremy Leach, Tyler Robinson, Michaela Fontana, and Rejoya Parks. The joy continues with six great-grandchildren: Antonio “AJ” Paul, Kandice Paul-Gustafson, Jeremiah Driver-Paul, Makeda Frederick, Alexis Leach, and Breanna Kelly, she was blessed with seven great-great grandchildren—Quincy Paul, Davion Paul, Shylynn Paul, Lexianna Paul, Aliyah Frederick, who warmly called her GiGi. Aamiyah Frederick, and Keziah Fontana—are the bright new great-great grandchildren in the tapestry of her life.She was also cherished by her loving best friend Sara Holt and her God-Daughter Robin Randel and her family. Her Pastor Duane Meissner church member Marcia, Lee, and Jaycel and her caregivers Theresa Constance and Nora Shaacks their unwavering devoted love and support.