Very early this morning, my mother, Laura Maxwell, passed away.
She was 88 years old and lived a full and rich life. We rejoice that she is now with Jesus.
This Friday, July 17, her family and friends will gather for a private service, where we will celebrate her life, even as we mourn our loss.
Thank you to all who have already sent condolences and words of comfort. We are truly grateful for your love and support.
- Laura Maxwell
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to
Park Ministries
c/o Barbara Harrison
155 Zermat
Winter Haven, FL 33881
72 responses so far ↓
1 Deanna Stevens // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:00 pm
John, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. After my mother passed, I came into possession of the following poem which brought me peace. I hope it does the same for you. You and your family are in my prayers. Deanna
The Ship Poem:
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speck of white cloud on the
horizon, just where the sea and the sky
come to mingle with one another.
Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone.”
“Gone where?”
Gone from my sight. That is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side,
and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says,
“There, she is gone,”
There are other eyes watching her coming,
and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:
“Here she comes!”
And that is dying.
2 Kenny Goza // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Our prayers are with you and your family. You’ve been a blessing to me.
May God give you peace and grace
3 Mark Murnan // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm
John, our condolences on the passing of your mother. We have all benefited from her parenting of you.
4 Ron Lane // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm
May God be with you and your family in this time and bring you comfort and peace. You are in our prayers.
5 Beverly Brown // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your wonderful memories of her sustain you in the days to come.
6 Hai Luong // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Dear Dr. John C. Maxwell,
I pray that our LORD, the God of all comfort, comfort you and your loved ones.
You’re my mentor and you always inspire me. I love you and your family.
–Hai Luong
7 Doug Dickerson // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:07 pm
John,
My condolences to you and to your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord be your strength and peace at this time.
8 Al Getler // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:10 pm
No matter how prepared we think we are, the loss of a parent we love and respect takes us to a new corner of our soul. I know how you will miss your mother every day.
John, you have made us laugh, cry and have given us a reason to go on all while learning. I am sure that a part of that talent came from your mother.
May her journey be short and the music be sweet as she dances with the angels in heaven.
9 Jorge Amado // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:20 pm
John,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
My condolences to you and to your family.
May the Lord be your strength and peace at this time.
10 Mish // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Mr. John Maxwell,
My condolences to you and your family. Makes me want to spend more time with my mom and dad while they’re still on earth.
God bless you even more. Your books are all encouraging.
11 Tim Brown // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:40 pm
John,
Charity and I are praying for you and your family as you celebrate the life of your wonderful mother.
With love and prayers,
Tim Brown
Lead Pastor
First Baptist Church of Clovis, CA
12 Gary J. Borgstede // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Dear Mr. Maxwell, I’m saddened to learn of the loss of your mother. Please accept my sincere condolences for you and your family. May the Lord’s peace and comfort completely cover you and your family during this time.
Gary B.
13 Alex Padilla // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm
My condolences to you. Many great memories will remain with you. She will never be gone.
14 Glicinia // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Death is not the end “was the phrase I heard a 3 years ago qdo lost my mother at 75 years is a moment of pain and separation. But we all know that one day we together with our heavenly father. Relief and hope solace at this time.
15 John Cruz // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Dear John,
You have been an inspiration to thousands of leaders and christians around the world. I pray the Lord will bring peace that surpasses all understanding and the comfort only the Holy Spirit can bring to your heart. May the memories you now cherish bless you and your family in the days ahead. Thank you to you for being an encourager and thanks to your Mom for her contribution to this world. Blessings. John Cruz
16 ike reighard // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:45 pm
John,
I have watched the love and respect you have always shown to your parents. I know your heart hurts at your Mother’s passing and yet your heart rejoices because of her faith carried her home.
17 Courage // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Sorry to hear about your mum, but I’m glad we are all comforted that she’s with the Lord, nothing is more important than to assure ourselves of a better eternity. May the Spirit of Comfort see you through in such a time.
18 Johnny Hunt // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:56 pm
John I am praying for you and your dear family. God bless you for the servant of God you are.
19 Karen // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:57 pm
John,
Sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that you seethe many ways God will comfort and encourage you during this time. Shalom, K2L
20 Bill Purvis // Jul 14, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Dear John,
Debbie and I want to send you our deepest sympathy in the passing of your mother. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers.
21 Jason Lee CJ // Jul 14, 2009 at 8:04 pm
I’m sure your Mother had influenced the way you think and became what you what.
She’s a worldchanger thru you!
22 Kate Sheridan // Jul 14, 2009 at 8:05 pm
John, you are a classy man who makes our lives & sharing leadership & Christian values…and though your father spoke at my church when I was a child and had huge impact…Ivan guessing that your sense of class comes from mom. God bless her and console your family.
23 Milton // Jul 14, 2009 at 8:56 pm
I know the pain. 10 yrs ago this 7/16 my mother went home to Jesus. Can’t wait to see her again. Thank God for this hope we have John.
24 Samuel Espinal // Jul 14, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Please accept our condolences and we are sorry for your lost. SE and family…
Best regards,
Samuel Espinal.
25 Mark Glascock // Jul 14, 2009 at 9:30 pm
God bless you and your family. The world knows how wonderful a woman your mother was by the kindness and generosity in your heart.
26 Judy Corbin // Jul 14, 2009 at 10:08 pm
May God comfort you and your family during this time of loss, and encourage you during this time of celebration of her life.
I love to think about the fact that you will see her…..in the morning…over there.
27 Steve Payne // Jul 14, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Hi John, my families prayers are with you and your family.She is dancing in heaven!
Steve (WWDB)
28 Frank Kendrick // Jul 14, 2009 at 10:42 pm
John, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I cannot imagine your feelings at this time. I pray that you will experience the warmth of God’s love in your loss and heaven’s gain.
Frank Kendrick
CEO
NuJak Companies
29 Adrian // Jul 14, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Hi John,
My condolences to you and your family. She is definitely in a great place with God now.
Take Care.
30 Nico Bacay // Jul 15, 2009 at 12:51 am
Sir John, I’am praying for strength and sustaining power from our Lord Jesus. I know that your mother is rejoicing, laughing, and even dining with our Lord Jesus now. My condolences. God bless.
31 Rick Osteen // Jul 15, 2009 at 12:59 am
John,
I pray that you and others who will miss her be granted His peace and comfort. In Jesus’ Holy name, Amen.
32 Wilma Olivier // Jul 15, 2009 at 2:45 am
Dear John,
My husband Andre and I respect and love your ministry and books . We are saddened to hear that your beloved mothers slipped away as you said happy, sad as she is with Jesus. It still is difficult to lose a loved one, particularly the one who gave you life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Andre and Wilma Olivier
33 Bill & Cheryl Shanor // Jul 15, 2009 at 5:23 am
Dr. Maxwell: Please accept our condolences on the passing of your mother. Laura was a wonderful model of what a Christian should be. Your comfort is knowing that she is in Heaven. Just think, she is talking to God right now. WOW!! what a thought. Please know that your family is in our prayers and thoughts.
34 Johnda Wireman-Bayes // Jul 15, 2009 at 6:08 am
Hi Dr. Maxwell:
In times like these we turn to our Savior to comfort us and hold us close. Miss Laura and my mother are in Heaven walking on the streets of gold! You are my inspiration, just as she inspired you to greatness. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Rejoice because we will see them again one day soon!
35 Marc Millan // Jul 15, 2009 at 6:55 am
My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you during this transition. We thank God for Laura, through her God gave us your life and blessed so many people today. I pray for strength and comfort.
36 David Channy Maitimu // Jul 15, 2009 at 8:22 am
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices: my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave nor will you let your Holy One see decay” (Psalm 16: 9-10)…My thought and pray to you and your family, Dr Maxwell.
37 people-power // Jul 15, 2009 at 8:44 am
What a beautiful lady, she will be remembered and treasured by all who knew her. I know she was and will remain one of those forces behind you. “this evening you will be with me in paradise” her life has just begun. My thoughts are with you this weekend on this day of celebration. Stay strong my condolences to your father and the Maxwell family.
38 Cheryl Ryder // Jul 15, 2009 at 9:28 am
Dear John, the death of my own mother many years ago brought into juxtaposition the seemingly disparate emotions of incredible joy and bottomless sadness. We celebrated that she had gone to God after a long long illness, and mourned her loss to us in daily life. Years ago I found this poem by Harriet Beecher Stowe to give me comfort.
“Still, Still with Thee” – Harriet Beecher Stowe
Still, still with Thee, when purple morning breaketh,
When the bird waketh and the shadows flee:
Fairer than morning, lovlier than daylight,
dawns the sweet consciousness,
I am with Thee.
Alone with Thee amid the mystic shadows,
The solemn hush of nature newly born;
Alone with Thee in breathless adoration,
In the calm dew and freshness of the morn.
So shall it be at last in that bright morning
When my soul waketh and the shadows flee;
Oh, in that hour, fairer than daylight dawning,
Shall rise the glorious thought, I am with Thee.
39 Brodwyn Appanna // Jul 15, 2009 at 9:36 am
Hi John
I have never met you, but only had the privilege of engaging with your passionate message in your books. It was enough, however, to make me feel very sad after reading the news of your mum’s passing away. I mourn with you and am grateful for the life of your mum.
Take care.
40 John Hannah // Jul 15, 2009 at 9:57 am
John,
I am saddened by the loss of your mom. Having lost my Dad two years ago and my Mom 4, I send my empathy. Even with having absolute assurance that they are with the Master, you always miss having them with you.
With Sincerest Regrets,
John Hannah
41 msw // Jul 15, 2009 at 10:15 am
I am very sorry for your great loss. I will pray for you.
Mindi
42 Barbara Ann Davis // Jul 15, 2009 at 10:19 am
Haven’t lost my own mother less than two years ago, I can honestly say I know the pain you are feeling at this moment. The memories will always be there, but it will be a long time before you realize your sharing with the person in this world who understands you the most is put on hold, but only for awhile.
God bless you and all you do in your ministry.
Barbara Ann Davis
43 Ann & Kevin Haerr // Jul 15, 2009 at 11:20 am
Dear John,
We didn’t know her but love her, as she has been an unquestionably powerful force in our lives through all your hard and incredible work. We are grateful, and look forward to meeting her in Glory. We’re so sorry for your loss, and you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. But rest easy, knowing that your Mom is with the Lord now in perfection, as she was always meant to be.
44 myshrink // Jul 15, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I am so sorry about your loss, sir. I ask the Lord to give you much patience and endurance in time like this.
Mark Murnan was right in that we all have benefited from her parenting skill.
No one can escape death!
My condolence to you and your family.
45 Joe // Jul 15, 2009 at 1:09 pm
May Jesus’ presence comfort you and your family’s heart.
John 16:22
22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
46 Max Palmer // Jul 15, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Greetings
From the ends of the earth ie NZ we send our condolences!
love
Max Palmer
Previous Injoy Partner
47 Robby Martin // Jul 15, 2009 at 3:24 pm
John,
Lost my Dad on 5/13. He was ready which is an amazing source of comfort, and healing. May God’s presence be overwhelming with you and your family this week.
48 Donna Harrison // Jul 15, 2009 at 4:18 pm
John,,
I extend my deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom, and yes, we know that she is now in the eternal presence of our Lord.
My sister and I lost our Mom in June of 2007, and there were many days for a long time that I would almost go pick up the phone to call to see what she’s doing.
May the Peace that passes all understanding be with you now and during this time of your loss.
Aloha and Blessings,
Donna Harrison
Former Skyline member
Ewa Beach, HI
49 Bongan'i Fakudze // Jul 15, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Dear John and the Maxwell family,
“The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.”
This sad loss is not only within the Maxwell’ boundaries, but it’s the world’s loss, because John is a friend to all!
God bless you all!
Bongan’i Fakudze
Uppsala Sweden
50 RuthAnn Cain // Jul 15, 2009 at 6:14 pm
We are praying for you and your family during this time of such a great loss.
Thank you for your ministry and teaching. God uses you in a mighty way.
May God bless you and your family,
Jim and RuthAnn Cain
Paragould, AR
51 Marnellie // Jul 15, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Dear Mr Maxwell,
I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Pls accept our condolences.
Marnellie
Philippines
52 Dave and Kathy McGurn // Jul 15, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Kathy and I wish to express our deepest condolences on your Mothers passing, Our prayers are with you and your family.
53 Geri & David Kosberg // Jul 15, 2009 at 7:35 pm
John, we are sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We look forward to seeing you again in Christ Fellowship.
54 San // Jul 16, 2009 at 6:56 am
It will be the little things
that you will remember,
the quiet moments,
the smiles, the laughter.
And although it may seem
hard right now,
it will be the memories
of these little things
that help to push
away the pain
and bring the smiles
back again.
With deepest sympathy…
55 Linda // Jul 16, 2009 at 7:21 am
John,
Please accept my deepest condolences. I thank God for what and who she was in your life. Everytime you write a book or do an event I suspect that we get the priviledge of getting to know your Mother a bit
. I’m sure that the Blessings of both of your parents had a “Maximum Impact” on your life. I can only imagine the homecoming that she is receiving.
Your Father and your family are in my prayers.
With deepest sympathy
56 Scott Gould // Jul 16, 2009 at 10:00 am
Condolences, John. Thank God for eternal life.
57 Stan Hoover // Jul 16, 2009 at 10:10 am
John,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My parents have meant so much to me, and I know this is the same for you. The Christian heritage they passed to you is being used of the Lord in thousands of lives. Debbie and I will be praying for you.
58 Nancy D'Epiro // Jul 16, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Dear John,
Amazing Grace….
Peace that passes all understanding….
Knowing you shall see her again….
The comfort from our Father….
I marvel at His Goodness….
I too lost my mom…I lost her when I was 33…you have been blessed to have had your mom almost twice as long!
I lost my dear husband less than a year ago….only God can sustain at such a time as this…
Blessings to you and yours….
59 Jeanine Gonzo // Jul 16, 2009 at 10:51 pm
We were all put on earth for a purpose and your mom’s purpose included give birth to a wonderful son who has empowered millions of lives. I thank God for her legacy she has left behind.God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
60 Nwosah Kelvin // Jul 17, 2009 at 12:40 am
Accept my deepest felicitations on the death of your mum-Its been all said-and-done for her,she has done her best-She lived her life for Christ-That’s the ONLY THING THAT MATTERS TO US.
Nwosah kelvin
Delta State
Nigeria.
61 Janie Edwards // Jul 17, 2009 at 8:56 am
Our condolences, love and prayers are with you and your family as you celebrate the life of your Mother. Treasure the memories that you have of her in your heart. May God strengthen you and your family in His Love, Grace and Peace during this time.
God Bless,
Janie Edwards
Sydney, Australia.
62 Ed // Jul 17, 2009 at 9:42 am
I was a student at Bethany Bible College when I first heard about you, and you visited our campus while I was there. I am now a pastor in Alberta, Canada. I am so sorry for your loss; I read that Bill Hybels said you were very close to your mother, and that makes it particularly difficult. Please know that I am praying for you and your family.
63 Ellen Jenkins Bishop // Jul 17, 2009 at 8:20 pm
John, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mother…I still remember her from our years in Circleville. You and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time…there is nothing like a Mother!!!
64 Paul & Kellan Wong // Jul 18, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Dear John,
We are heartbroken for your loss. Yet we rejoice also for her gain in Christ. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Paul & Kellan
Vietnam
65 Patrick McKinnon // Jul 18, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Sorry to hear about your loss, John.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patrick
66 Job Manikkam // Jul 19, 2009 at 7:50 pm
My condolences to you and your family.
67 Marguerite Granat // Jul 20, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Dear John, extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Marguerite
68 Bobby Stevens // Jul 21, 2009 at 3:40 am
Dear John,
You and your family are in our prayers. You have made a huge impact on many lives. Thank you and may God bless you.
69 Pastor Linn Barron // Jul 22, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I pray for the comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit on you and your family.
70 GIBSON SYLVESTRE // Jul 22, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Hey brother John,
I really will be saying a prayer for you and your family. I know what it’s like to lose a close family member. It’s o.k. to be weak right now…It’s o.k. to cry. I’m praying for you pal! Our Condolences to you and yours.
Many Blessing….Weeping may endure for the night but Joy’s only around the corner….But until that time cry, weep, remember, and savor those special moments with mom.
your friend and brother gibson
71 R. Sven Pierson // Jul 30, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Hi John,
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your mom. “Moms” are very special people.
I know when my mom passed on I lost a great and quiet lady, someone who let “her walking do her talking”
I pray the comfort and strenght you receive from the Lord along with the the love & support from family and friends be of much healing to you at this time and the times that lay ahead.
God Bless and thank you for all that you do through your leadership teachings
R. Sven Pierson
World Wide Dreambuilder
Manchester, CT
72 Alice Ellis // Aug 8, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Mr. Maxwell and Family,
I am writing to extend my deepest sympathies.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will light a candle for Mrs. Maxwell tonight.
God Bless you and hold you in the palm of his hands.