Rev. Dr. Charles A. Maxell, Sr.

Rev. Dr. Charles A. Maxell, Sr. obituary, Belleville, MI

Rev. Dr. Charles A. Maxell, Sr.

Upcoming Events

Aug

23

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Open Arms Lutheran Church

Belleville, MI

Send Flowers

Sep

13

Burial

11:30 a.m.

Midway First Presbyterian Church cemetery

Midway

Send Flowers

Rev. Dr. Charles Maxell, Sr. Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 24, 2025.
Rev. Dr. Charles Alexander Maxell, Sr., 90, of Belleville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025. Born September 11, 1934, in Georgia to Willie James and Otha Lee Hunt Maxell, he was a pioneering Presbyterian minister, entrepreneur, author, civil rights leader, and devoted family man.

Dr. Maxell served as senior pastor of Midway First Presbyterian Church in Midway, Georgia, for 25 years and led congregations in Detroit, MI; Patterson and Elizabeth, NJ; and Brooklyn, NY-leaving a legacy of spiritual guidance and community empowerment wherever he served. He led the construction of the current Midway First Presbyterian Church and its manse and built, once owned and operated the nursing home in Midway now known as Magnolia Manor. His entrepreneurial spirit also extended to real estate and a pharmacy, always with a focus on community uplift.

A steadfast advocate for justice, Dr. Maxell was known for his leadership, compassion, and unwavering service. Above all, he cherished his family. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ophelia Lago Maxell; children Rev. Charles Maxell Jr., Carlynda Maxell, Major, USAF (Retired), and Dr. Carmela Maxell; grandchildren Vincent-Charles Finona, Madison Maxell, Charles Maxell III, Skylar Maxell, George Martin III, Logan Harrison, and Noemi Runyan; daughter-in-law Rev. Dr. Jennifer Watley Maxell; and ex-wife Rev. Bernese Shaw.

A memorial service will be held at Open Arms Lutheran Church, Belleville, MI, on August 23, 11A. Burial will follow at Midway First Presbyterian Church cemetery, Midway, Georgia, on September 13, 11:30A. As we honor his life, we remember not just his accomplishments, but the love, wisdom, and inspiration he shared with all.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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June 25, 2025

Robert Grant posted to the memorial.

June 24, 2025

Legacy Remembers announced events.

June 24, 2025

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.

1 Entry

Robert Grant

June 25, 2025

My condolences to the Maxell family. Your patriarch lived a full life and his legacy is secure.

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Upcoming Events

Aug

23

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Open Arms Lutheran Church

Belleville, MI

Send Flowers

Sep

13

Burial

11:30 a.m.

Midway First Presbyterian Church cemetery

Midway

Send Flowers