Born Helen Deloris Gwaltney on august 10, 1942 in Isle of Wight Couty, Va., she changed her name and was lovingly known as Maxine. Maxine entered into rest on Augusst 14, 2007. first child of SHelen B. Gwaltney-Vick of Smithfield, Va, the family relocated to Baltimore, Maryland were Maxine completed her education in Baltimore City and graduated from old Douglas High School in 1961. She also attended beauty and make up and hair-styling schools in Baltimore. HER FAMILY--She married Rober F. Bowers and began her family as a young woman barely out high school. The late Mark Bowers, Tonyas Bowers Berkley-Pitts, Sean Potts and Duron Potts, her four children, were the source of her strength. As well as being the oldest child of six: Alice Gwaltney-Cintron of New York, Darryl Gwaltney of Baltimore, Md. and Bernadette Gwaltney-Johnson of Baltlmore, Md., Maxine was ''Big-Sis'' and surrogate mother to her younger sisters and brothers and nieces and nephews and other family members andfriends. She adored her grandchildren; Duron Potts II 6mos, Anneric Potts 7, Shannan Jones 15 and Briana Berkley -Pitts 25 and loved thier visits. She had a natural maternal instinct that made others embrace her like a warm, comfy blanket. Her family was blessed to be part of her DNA. Her friends were fortunate to have been chosen. Once Maxine became your friend, she was your friend for life. HER WORK FAMILY--Maxine began her career earlier as a hairstylist and beautician. She worked countless beauty and make-up trade shows cvounseling women and men on haircare, beauty and make-up products. she was a classy and stylish lady who turned heads and stood out in a crowd. In 1965 she began her employment at John Hopkins Hospital and worked 40years as clerical Associate predominantly on Halstad 5, the Cardiology Unit. She went above and beyond the call of duty offering assistance, comfort, a kind word or a hearty laugh and especially good home cooking to the patients, their families and her co-workers; docetors, nurses, technicians, administrative, housekeeping, nurtrition and security staff, as well-as everyone and anyone whom she would come in contact with on a regular day. If ever there was a ''people's person'' Maxine was the epitome of that. When she entered into your space you immediately recognized her presence and each of your 5 senses were pleased by her bright red hair, infectious laugh, the pleasant aroma of her familiar perfume, the big hug or kiss she would give and the wonderful bags of home cooking and treats she would always bring to every special occasion. The best times of her life were spent in intimate gatherings with family and friends where she laughed, loved and dazzled all with her exciting meals and hospitality. HER COMMUNITY FAMILY--The day after August 14th, the whole block of woodbrook Avenue cried as word of Maxine's sudden passing spread throughout the neighborhood. Family friends and associates on Dolphin and Pitcher Streets, where she formerly resided, felt the wave of grief descend upon them as well. Always a familiar presence sitting on the steps or cleaning the street in front of her house at 2451 Woodbrook Ave., she would greet and have conversation with anyone who recognized her kind spirit. She would play with the children and offer them endless treats every time they came to see her. Young men and women from the block immediately became smitten with the fiesty red-headed neighbor and would often seek out her counseling. She would always take the time to listen to the elderly neighbors and share stories of understanding with them as well. From the neighbors next door, to the neighbors around the corner and workers at lacal stores and businesses, she patronized in the Upton area for more than 25 years. Everyones' heart skipped a beat when they learned the sad news that ''Momma has died.'' She was loved and respected by so many people in the community. HER LEGACY---Maxine D. Bowers, mother, daughter, big sister, aunt, cousin, grandmother and friend, gone too soon from us, but now fully renewed and redeemed in Christ. As we on earth mourn her passing, the angels in heaven celebrate her homecoming. Her presence will be sourly missed each time we go to the phone to call her - but we can't; stop by her door to visit her - but we can't; look up to see her pretty face and smile across the store counter - but we don't. Heaven has a new angel and her name is Maxine.