Dr. Marcella Maxwell, best known for her work over the years as a teacher, college professor, administrator and community leader, has died. Her family said she passed away on Thursday, March 21 at 11 a.m at Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan. Maxwell was 96.
A native of Cleveland, N.C., Maxwell came from a long line of educators. Notably, her grandfather donated a land grant in her hometown for the first African American elementary school.
Maxwell moved to the New York area at a young age and became a secretary for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Feeling that her job was boring, Maxwell went to college and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from Long Island University.
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Furthering her education, Maxwell later earned her doctorate in educational administration from Fordham University, writing her dissertation on a comparison of Black, white and Puerto Rican elementary school principals in urban schools.
During her years in the classroom, she was selected by then-Assistant Superintendent John B. King Sr., father of current state Education Commissioner John B. King Jr., to go to Puerto Rico to teach English as a second language. Upon her return, Maxwell started training teachers at Bank Street College of Education.
During her career, Maxwell worked at Medgar Evers College, where she stayed for 13 years, serving as dean of external affairs and dean of adult and continuing education. She remained affiliated with the college for several years serving on the foundation board.
Outside of the classroom, Maxwell touched the lives of people in the community through her North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority membership. She was longtime friends with Dukes for several decades.
“For over four decades, this has been one of my dearest friends,” Dukes told the AmNews. “I’m saddened to join in this announcement.”
In a statement, former Harlem Congressman Charlie Rangel said Maxwell impacted many lives and she will be missed.
“The loss of Marcella Maxwell is just starting to be felt, I will remember her as a champion for all people, young and old,” he said. “She was an outstanding human being.”
Maxwell was also a member of the prestigious Greater New York Chapter of the Links, Inc., where she worked with health and human services to provide education for seniors on issues such as Social Security, prescription drugs and Medicare. She also chaired the organization’s Eastern Area’s women’s issues committee.
Maxwell even took on citywide positions. Under Mayor Edward Koch, she served as commissioner of human rights and chair of the Commission on Women.
Funeral services for Maxwell will be held April 5 at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. Members of Delta Sigma Theta and The Links will hold ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. followed by a viewing at 11 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 12 p.m.
Rip to her
R.I.P Grandma Marcy.
Our family will always remember.
I guarantee you will never be forgotten.
I took some classes at Midgar Evers college back in the 1980, I think I met miss maxwell. Back then.i was in the work program from my job ,to earn college credits.But what I would like to say.Is that she was a remarkable lady ,may she rest in peace.
Grandma Marcy may god open his gates to you and may you rip. Kiss Dad and Deborah for me. I miss them so much. Rip
Dr. Maxwell was beloved by everyone she came in contact with. She was my mentor and I will miss her dearly. May her soul rest in peace.