Leilona Maxwell

Leilona Kuwipo Maxwell was born on December 15, 1970, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the late Bettye L. Maxwell and the late Joseph G. Maxwell. At an early age, Leilona was baptized at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, Florida, where she began her lifelong walk of faith. Leilona received her education through the Broward County Public School System. She attended Fort Lauderdale Christian School, Pompano Beach Middle School, and Blanche Ely High School, where she proudly played the clarinet in the school band. Determined to further her education, she attended Bethune-Cookman University for one year before continuing her studies at Florida Memorial University, where she pursued Elementary Education. While attending Florida Memorial University, Leilona was blessed with her first daughter, Kialona I. Sharp. She later enrolled at Concorde Career Institute, where she studied to become a Medical Assistant. Soon afterward, she welcomed her second daughter, Appollonia M. Brown. Becoming a mother at a young age only strengthened her determination to build a better future for her children. In addition to her medical training, Leilona earned her Teacher's Assistant Certificate from Atlantic Technical College. She then began a rewarding career as a childcare worker, where her nurturing spirit and love for children shined every day. During this time, she welcomed her beloved youngest son, Enyi R. Maxwell, completing the family she treasured so deeply. Known affectionately by many as "China," Leilona lived a full and meaningful life. She had a generous heart and never hesitated to support those in need. Whether offering encouragement, lending a helping hand, or simply being there to listen, she touched countless lives. She never met a stranger and built lasting friendships wherever she went. Her warm spirit, infectious smile, and caring nature made her beloved by so many, and the impact she made on the lives of others will never be forgotten. Leilona fought a courageous battle with strength, faith, and determination until the very end. Through every challenge, she remained resilient and continued to inspire those around her with her unwavering spirit. She truly lived a beautiful life filled with love, compassion, and purpose, always putting her family and others before herself. On Friday, August 15, 2026, God called Leilona home to eternal rest. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy of love, kindness, resilience, and service will live on in all who were blessed to know her. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her longtime partner, Todd McCullough; her daughters, Kialona I. Sharp and Appollonia M. Brown (Dwayne Brown); her beloved son, Enyi R. Maxwell; her cherished grandchildren, Daydron Laster, Jr., Antonia McCray, Ashton McCray, Dwayne Brown Jr., Travon Telfair Jr., Dwayne Brown III, Dwayne Brown IV, Devorah Telfair, and D'Andrea Brown; her sister, Charlottie Maxwell; her brothers, Robert Maxwell, Chester Maxwell, Gregory Maxwell, Michael Maxwell, and Justin Maxwell; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, godsiblings, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives she touched. Leilona's love, strength, generosity, and unforgettable spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her life was a testament to perseverance, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Although she is no longer with us in body, the love she shared and the lives she impacted will continue to be her lasting legacy.

Leilona Maxwell

December 19, 1970 - August 15, 2026