Maxine Williams

A chosen angel arrived at 419 Cabana on Friday, October 19, 2012 to personally escort Maxine “Gloria” Huntley Williams to her Celebration in the Holy City. As they ascended the streets of gold, the trumpets began to sound and the pearly gates opened as she made her royal entrance.

Maxine “Gloria” Huntley Williams was born July 29, 1933 to the union of Mack Huntley and Burnette Sims in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the middle child of three siblings – her baby brother, Pelton Gayles, Jr., preceded her in death.

She was united in holy matrimony by her first marriage to Alvin Lee Wallace - four children were born from this union – one, Kim Wallace, preceded her in death. Later, she met and married the late Samuel Bernice Williams, Sr. or “Dad” (as she affectionately called him), and to this union, three children were born.

Maxine received her formal education in New Orleans, but the greatest education she received was accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of her life. When she and “Dad” moved to La Puente, California, she united with St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful and dutiful member of the Usher Board for many years. Known for her excellent cooking (especially her potato salad), she also served in hospitality where she hosted fundraising dinners at her home and served lunches during Vacation Bible School. In the latter stages of her spiritual walk she transitioned her membership to New Beginning Christian Fellowship where she served on the refreshment committee and became well –known for her deviled eggs. She was also an active matron of the Order of the Eastern Star for several years.

As a resident of La Puente for more than 50 years, she established a family of lifetime friends when she worked at Mattel Toys where she retired after 15 years as a Lead Supervisor. She realized that staying at home was not in her life plan, so she went back to work part-time and spent her final career days as a noon aide and cafeteria worker in the Bassett and Hacienda Unified School Districts, in addition to cooking at the Masonic Home of Covina. In her neighborhood she was pleasantly known as the lady who sold the $.25 icebergs or “cold cups.”

She was a devoted and obedient wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She leaves to cherish her legacy: sister - Joyce Washington; sons - Keith Wallace (Wanda), Kevin Williams, Sr. (Linda), and Samuel Williams, Jr.; daughters - Wanda Cameron, Belinda Robinson, and Karen Abram (Rick); 12 grandchildren – Toshika, Katisha, Kevin, Jr., Ada, Shameka, Shetika, Dominic, Kaela, Ricky, Jr., Sameisha, George, and Kaelen; six great grandchildren – Breanna, Angelo, Joshua, AJ, Miracle, and Sam; one great-great grandchild – DeAnna; godchild – Lloyd Thomas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.