Obituary of Maxine Smith

Maxine was born to the late Willie and Eddie Clinton on October 13, 1919 in Garrison, Texas. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Mount Moriah Baptist Church. She grew up in Garrison, Texas and graduated from Garrison Colored High School. Maxine married Goree Smith in Garrison, Texas. They were blessed with six children. The Smiths relocated to Palm Springs, California in 1956 and later moved to Banning, California. She united with First Missionary Baptist Church and worked diligently for years with the Mission Ministry until her health failed her. "Big mama" was the first black member on the Banning Unified School board. "Big mama was a PROUD home maker and loved to take care of her family. "Big Mama" leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Warren Smith Sr., Willie P. Smith, and Goree Smith Jr.; three daughters, Margie Smith, Lois Smith, and Gwendolyn Ballard; thirteen grandchildren, Anthony Smith, Warren Smith Jr., Michael Smith, Monique Smith, Deshaun Smith Sr., Yakisha Smith, Summer Smith, David Smith, Duran Smith, Jimmy McDuffy, Tonya Brantley, Willie P. Smith Jr., Manisha Smith; twenty great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Eddie Clinton; her husband Goree Smith Sr., and nine siblings.