Former Virginia Senator W. Henry Maxwell’s Passing Reaches California

Minister, Civic Leader and Legislator, Rev. Dr. W. Henry Maxwell’s death has far reaching impact to Long Beach, CA

Rev. Dr. W. Henry Maxwell at Ivy Baptist Church

LONG BEACH, CA, Nov. 20, 2010 -- The death of Former Senator W. Henry Maxwell, has nationwide prominence, reaching 2000+ miles to Long Beach, California. Former state Sen. W. Henry Maxwell, a longtime political leader and retired pastor of Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia, died Saturday, November 15, 2010 at his daughter's home near Detroit.

Sen. Maxwell, 75, died of complications from diabetes and Parkinson's disease. This illness prompted him not to seek re-election in the state's 2nd Senate District in 2003, said his son, Walter Maxwell Jr.

Sen. Maxwell represented Newport News voters for more than 20 years, first with his election to the House of Delegates in 1983 and then to the Senate in December 1992. Twice, the Newport News Democrat succeeded U.S. Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, first when Scott was elected to the state Senate, vacating his House of Delegates seat, and again when Scott was elected to Congress.

"He was an effective, hard-working legislator and was a strong voice for the downtrodden," said Scott, whose ties to Sen. Maxwell date back to their service with the NAACP in the mid-1970s. Scott said Sen. Maxwell leaves a three-fold legacy, as a civic activist, minister and legislator.

“I was very fortunate to have had him as a role model in my life.  He spoke volumes to those around him, even in his silence.” said his niece Rev. Angela Chester, DDiv., a Virginia native, of New Life Pastoral Counseling in Long Beach. “When you have such an example before you, you’re shown how to view the world. Uncle Henry was the perfect example of an advocate for your fellow man; to remember those in need in your community. He will be remembered - our family will truly miss him.”

In honor of Rev. Dr. W. Henry Maxwell, New Life Pastoral Counseling, will be closed.

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New Life Pastoral Counseling provides integrated pastoral counseling for individuals, couples and groups in Long Beach, CA. Offering psycho-spiritual integration and well being, sessions include: Grief, Relationship, Motivational and  Premarital Counseling. Premarital counseling sessions include secular, religious and interfaith couples.

Former state Senator, Newport News pastor, W. Henry Maxwell dies

Senator W. Henry Maxwell

Former state Sen. W. Henry Maxwell, a longtime political leader and retired pastor of Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News, died Saturday at his daughter's home near Detroit.  Sen. Maxwell, 75, died of complications from diabetes and Parkinson's disease, illnesses that prompted him not to seek re-election in the state's 2^nd Senate District in 2003, said his son, Walter Maxwell Jr. A memorial service and funeral is being planned for next weekend in Newport News.

Sen. Maxwell represented Newport News voters for more than 20 years, first with his election to the House of Delegates in 1983 and then to the Senate in December 1992. Twice, the Newport News Democrat succeeded U.S. Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, first when Scott was elected to the state Senate, vacating his House of Delegates seat, and again when Scott was elected to Congress.

"He was an effective, hard-working legislator and was a strong voice for the downtrodden," said Scott, whose ties to Sen. Maxwell date back to their service with the NAACP in the mid-1970s. Scott said Sen. Maxwell leaves a three-fold legacy, as a civic activist, minister and legislator.

Sen. Maxwell was critical in obtaining state funding to preserve the Newsome House and Cultural Center in Newport News and in keeping the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Hampton open when initial efforts were being made to close it, said Scott. The school has since been shut down.

Sen. Maxwell also worked to secure funding for drug courts and for resources to help rehabilitate incarcerated young people being released from prison, said former Del. Mary T. Christian, who served in the General Assembly with Sen. Maxwell. He also worked to restore voting rights for convicted felons who had served their prison sentences.

"His efforts for young people stand out … because he knew they were our future," said Christian. "I would call him a gentlemen's gentlemen and a very astute legislator. He knew how to work both sides of the aisle and to get people to work together.

"He will be revered and remembered."

Sen. Maxwell remained in the pulpit at Ivy Baptist — his first church after graduating from seminary — for 37 years, said his son Walter Maxwell. Under his watch, the congregation grew from 70 to approximately 800, and the church opened a community center and day care center in Newport News' southeast community.

Whenever people asked Sen. Maxwell why he ran for public office, his son said, he always delivered the same answer: "If one was to be concerned about man, he should be concerned about the laws that govern man."

"He was committed to serving the community," said state Sen. Mamie E. Locke, who now holds Sen. Maxwell's former seat. "He had a strong belief that he had to be a source of change, a voice for making a difference for the citizens he served."