Maxine Yvonne Hale

Maxine Yvonne Ware Hale was born in Baltimore City on April 23, 1939, to the late Robert Ware and Meredith (Lewis) Smith. At the age of 18, she married the love of her life, John Robert “Bob” Hale, Jr. Together, they were blessed with three beautiful children: Ivan “Tony,” Darnell, and Tonya. Maxine attended Douglas High School in Baltimore City and graduated with her high school diploma. After graduating, Maxine worked for many years as a Data Entry Specialist at the Department of the Army at Aberdeen Proving Ground; retiring in 1994. From 2009 – 2012 Maxine Hale attended the Baltimore School of the Bible affiliated with the Evangelical Training Association and received a diploma in theological studies. Maxine’s spiritual journey began when she joined New Pentecostal Holiness Church under the leadership of Pastor Dickerson in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1975. Later, she became a dedicated member of Greater Faith Hope Tabernacle under the leadership of Bishop Cox in Baltimore, Maryland, where she served for 23 years. In 2006, she joined Love Fellowship Christian Center (LFCC) under the leadership of Pastor Thompson, and became the Church Mother. Maxine served faithfully as a praying woman of God, often heard on the prayer call daily, praying not only for her children but also for the entire church body. She deeply loved her Pastor, his family, and her church family, and shared words of encouragement, particularly during her annual Mother’s Day messages. A passionate Bible scholar, she was a powerful Sunday School teacher who loved challenging her daughter Tonya in Bible study. A woman of deep faith, Maxine had a passion for writing and journaling for over 20 years. Though she was older when Facebook emerged, she embraced the platform and became an active and dedicated user. Above all, she loved her children and grandchildren, praying for each one daily with a heart full of love and devotion. She often spoke fondly of her in-laws, describing them as “the nicest people I ever met.” Maxine was a generous and caring soul who loved to help others. Maxine cherished the time spent with her children, especially their 3-way phone calls. Family game nights, fun moments with her husband Bob, and traveling with her family were among her favorite memories. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, teaching them to pray, helping with schoolwork, and even playing school with them. Maxine was preceded in death by her son Tony(1993), her husband Bob (2007), her sister Dorothy Washington (2017), and her grandson SeanMichael Fitzgerald (2019). She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service, cherished by her children Darnell Hale and Tonya (Dion) Basnight. Her grandchildren Yolanda (Johnathan) Lindsay, Angelique (Chris) Bester, Ivan Anthony Hale Jr., Cierra Hale, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts. Maxine’s dear friends Midge Cromwell, Bonita Capers, Mildred Drummond, Leola Williams, Anne Alexander, Dora Daniels, and neighbors Dan and Dee Fickus will also remember her with love and gratitude for the impact she made in their lives. Her legacy of faith, love, and dedication will continue to inspire and guide all who knew her.

Tributes

Maxine Yvonne Hale

April 23, 1939 - February 6, 2025