Jean Yvonne Maxwell

Jean Yvonne Maxwell (affectionately known as Grandma Jean) was born on April 28, 1938, in Kingston, Jamaica, to Mordecai Augustus Clarke and Elsie Elfreda Ford. She attended St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Allman Town, Jamaica. In her early twenties, Jean worked at a packaging factory, where she met her future husband, Dudley Maxwell. They were married on July 5, 1958, and remained lovingly devoted to one another for 67 years. Jean lived in Jamaica as a homemaker until her late 30s, before immigrating to the United States in the early 1970s. She first settled in New Jersey, working as a caretaker for a family for six years to earn her citizenship. They later settled in Brooklyn, New York, where Jean worked as a nurse’s aide at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital until 1989. That year, they moved to Orlando, Florida, where Jean continued her life of caring service, this time tending to children as a beloved caregiver. Jean found great joy in gardening—especially tending to her roses and fruit trees—and she developed a deep love for dogs, caring for several rescued pets over the years. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She cherished time spent with her 12 grandchildren: Michael, Stacey, Emily, Holly, Karly, Kelly, Haily, Nataly, Joshua, Jeremiah, Tarelsha, and Nicole. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering love shaped the lives of those around her. Jean’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all who had the blessing of knowing her. She will be dearly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Jean was preceded in death by her father, Mordecai Augustus Clarke, and her mother, Elsie Elfreda Ford. Left to cherish her memory…her loving and devoted husband of 67 years, Dudley Maxwell; children: Marcine Robinson, Michelle Filmore, and Marlon Maxwell (Melissa); siblings: Rosalyn Clarke Davey of Orlando, Florida, Jennifer Clarke of Orlando, Florida, Pauline Clarke Preddie of Orlando, Florida, Faye Clarke of New York City, New York, Stephen Clarke of Miami, Florida, Carmen Clarke of Miami, Florida, and Olga Clarke of New York City, New York; 12 Grandchildren; 16 Great-Grandchildren; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Jean Yvonne Maxwell

April 28, 1938 - July 8, 2025