Elaine Diane Maxwell-Washington

Elaine Diane Maxwell - Washington (Judy) as we affectionately called her, was our family’s very much loved, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. Strong in her faith, Judy consistently followed God’s call, and entered His kingdom on July 15, 2023, after a brief, yet courageous battle with lung cancer.

Judy was born in Washington D.C. on April 24,1949. She was the third of seven daughters (Barbara, Bernice, Elaine, Rita, Linda, Jackie, Regina) and one son (Richard) born into the union of her parents, Richard, and Ethel Oliver, who preceded her in death.

As a young lady, Judy attended New Mt Olive Baptist Church in Washington D.C. There she nurtured her love for the Lord. After moving to Chicago, she became a member of the Apostolic Church of God where she faithfully attended for seventeen years. Judy was a woman of deep faith, and her life reflected her Christian principles. At the time of passing, she was a member of Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson where she served on the baptismal committee.

Judy’s early formal education took place in the public school system in Washington D.C. After moving to Chicago in 1963, Judy attended DuSable High School, where she earned her graduation diploma in 1967.

 After graduating from high school, Judy accepted an offer for employment with Illinois Bell Telephone Company. She remained employed with the telephone company from 1967 until 2002. Having worked there for 35 years’ Judy retired as an operations manager in the business sector.

In 1967, Judy met her first husband, Hue A. Maxwell. From this union they were blessed with two beautiful and loving children, Remon (Sheletha) Maxwell and Dr. Tamara (James) Maxwell- Davis. Judy was a gracious and loving parent. She nurtured her children and instilled in them, her faith in God, and her compassion. She molded them into the loving, caring, family-oriented adults that they are today.

In 1987, Judy met Jerome Washington who would later become her husband and closest friend. He brought her the joy and happiness in life that she richly deserved. After a long and loving relationship, Jerome and Judy joined in marriage in 2015. They were the perfect couple for all who knew and met them. Judy and Jerome planned to spend their remaining time together traveling with family and friends, attending jazz concerts, which she truly enjoyed and decorating their beautiful home in Matteson, Illinois.

Judy projected grace and style in her mannerisms and appearance. This was coupled with uncommon beauty, highlighted by a dazzling smile. When she walked, her slow, deliberate stride left no doubt that this is an elegant woman, lively, bold, and full of spirit.

Her most outstanding quality, however, would have to be her kindness. The way she would relate to you with a kind smile and an empathetic heart. She had the patience to listen to people and respond thoughtfully with affection. She would go the extra mile for you if you needed help, or just someone you could trust with your problems.

Be warned though, do not mistake her kindness for weakness. She could be very sassy. A tiger! And with a few choice words, she would clearly and unambiguously express her boundaries. Now, being sassy was a rarity for Judy, but If you ever made the mistake of pushing or miscalculating her, you will be sassed with elegance and class. Judy placed a high standard on her own personal behavior. Her conduct was infectious. Encouraging others in her presence to place a higher standard on their own behavior.

Although she received no formal training, Judy was naturally talented in fashion and home  decor. She had elegant taste in clothing as well as home furnishings. She could decorate the inside of a treehouse and make it look as though it were a castle. Yes, she was that talented. While she loved travelling and decorating, there was nothing that brought Judy more happiness and satisfaction than spending time with family, especially with her grandchildren and great grandchildren; her “Boodahs,” as she referred to them.

A description of Judy’s life would not be complete without the mention of punctuality…or lack thereof! It was not one of her strong suits; and she did not care what anyone thought about it. Not even Jerome, an ex-Marine, whom she loved dearly, could make a difference. Thank God for his patience. Judy had one speed (slow), and for her entire life she did not shift gears.

Judy was a fantastic cook. Her baked chicken, greens and yams were on the top shelf. But…remembering what I said about punctuality? Having them for dessert was not. For family gatherings we eventually learned not to allow Judy to bring anything for the main course. Her permanent assignment was dessert because that was about the time she would arrive. Over the years, Judy’s punctuality was sometimes annoying. The irony is her persistent lateness is one of the things by which she will be fondly remembered.

Judy leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving husband Jerome, son Remon, daughter Tamara, her sisters: Bernice, Rita, Gina and half-sister Yolanda, and her brother Richard. Her six grandchildren: Ashley, Zana, Tahj, Remon II, Drake, and Milan. Her three great-grandchildren Aden, Aria, and Zenae. Numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and extended family members. All of which have been profoundly touched by Judy’s loving spirit and kindness and will deeply miss her.