THE DAYTONA BEACH SUNDAY NEWS-JOURNAL
Daytona Beach, Florida
Sunday, August 17, 2014


Mary Ellen Maxwell, age 69, of Daytona Beach, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2014.

She was the daughter of the late Averley Brown and Christine P. Brown (Bunnell). Mary was born February 27, 1945 in Charleston, West Virginia.

She lived her childhood years in Seth, West Virginia where she attended elementary and middle school. Mary enjoyed playing in the Hollers there doing her favorite things, like chasing butterflies and picking PawPaws with her grandmother.

Mary and her family later moved to Bunnell, Florida, where she attended and graduated from Bunnell High School. Mary was a member of the marching band and graduated top of her class, and later attended Daytona Beach Junior College. Mary was best known for her being able to hold conversations with everyone she met and having a contagious smile. Everyone who knew Mary would say she had a beautiful heart. Throughout her life, Mary maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of everyone she met. She had a constant nurturing love for her children and grandchildren, and had a steadfast faith in God.

Mary was a longtime member of Holly Hill Church of Christ, and also attended the Seville Road Church of Christ. Mary was retired from the County of Volusia as a Tag & Title Clerk and School Crossing Guard at Our Lady of Lourdes, Bonner Elementary, and Ortona. She loved being there for the children in any way she could. She also worked for many years at Daytona International Speedway as suite security for the France's private suite.

When not at work, Mary loved being outdoors in the sun at the beach and spent all her spare time there with her three children and many of her close friends. Mary had a passion for growing beautiful roses and flowers, especially for the butterflies she loved so much. She loved to bowl, listen to country music, dance, and catch up over coffee with her friends. On August 6, 2014, God received a beautiful Angel that will now have wings of her own.

She is survived by her children: Donna (Ronald) Maxwell, Holly Hill, Florida, Mary (Beth) Fortin (Richard), New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and son William (Donny) Maxwell II, of Daytona Beach, Florida. Her brothers John (Linda) Brown, Savannah /Tennessee, and James (Nell) Brown Bunnell, Florida. Six grandchildren, Michael Brasol Jr., Timothy Brasol, Hope Lee, Joshua Lee, Brandon Maxwell, and Isabella Fortin. Along with her nieces and nephews, James, Joe, Traci, Kimberly, Billy, and Rick.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to educate children to: Greathouse Butterfly Farm, 20329 NE State Road 26, Earlton, Florida 32631. Re: In memory of Mary Maxwell.