Joan "Darlene" Maxwell

Joan “Darlene” Maxwell, 53 of Petoskey MI, passed on peacefully at her home June 16, 2020.

Daughter to Jones Homer and Johnnie (Leyhew) Maxwell.  She was born Nov 3rd 1966, in Murfreesburo TN, and was raised there.

A feisty little light right from the start she was, an honest soul, a loyal friend and a fierce mother.

Brought up southern Baptist, God knew this child well; she was blessed with sight, and always spoke her faith.

Darlene beat cancer 3 times.  This girl had grit.  She first was diagnosed when her son “Bud” was 18 months of age, won that battle and raised a fine young man.

A veritable social butterfly, with unmatched people skills.  Darlene worked retail for many years, passing on her infectious glow to many.

Her path led to work as a Pharmacy Technician, where she met her adoring wife, Amy Jacobs.  They later wed in beautiful Maui, Hawaii on Oct 25, 2002. 

When her twins Levi and Libbi were born, she retired to be a full time superstar mother.  She earned the nickname “Moma D”, when her kids were in kindergarten.  The name stuck long after, as she was an influence to so many kids and folks alike. 

Darlene wasn’t someone to walk on by, you would notice this gal.  A beautiful southern belle that everyone wanted to be around.  Sharp as a tac, and not afraid to get to the point.

She enjoyed traveling and thrift shopping, and was notoriously good at bartering.  She loved visiting with friends and family and always played the proper host. 

Her greatest joys are her 3 children.

Darlene is survived by her loving wife Amy Jacobs, her children; Victor “bud” Jones Giacoman, Levi David Jacobs and Libbi Ann Jacobs, her aunt Nell Reed, her niece Shana Carethers, and many cousins. 

Preceding Darlene were her parents Jones Homer and Johnnie Maxwell, her brothers Danny Joe “Worm”, Maxwell and James Darwin “Buh” Maxwell; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Darlene was an old soul in new fashion, but never out of style.  With a bright smile and a twinkle in her eye, she always gave more than she received.  She could have been an Angel.

She’s driving that hippie bus in the sky.

We will miss you. 

Those wishing to remember Darlene with a monetary gift, are asked to make donations to her children's college fund with 4Front bank.

A visitation for Darlene will be at Stone Funeral Home on June 21, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A funeral service officiated by Pastor James Mitchum will be on June 22, 2020 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM at Stone Funeral Home. Darlene will be buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey, Michigan. At a later date there will be a celebration of life for Darlene for those that are not able to attend now.

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