W. Henry Maxwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
W. Henry Maxwell
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| Member of the Virginia Senate from the 2nd district |
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| In office January 13, 1993 – January 14, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Bobby Scott |
| Succeeded by | Mamie Locke |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates from the 95th district |
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| In office January 12, 1983 – January 13, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | None (district created) |
| Succeeded by | Flora D. Crittenden |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Walter Henry Maxwell
April 3, 1935 Reidsville, North Carolina |
| Died | November 13, 2010 (aged 75) Detroit, Michigan |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Gladys Mae Jones |
| Alma mater | Norfolk State University Virginia State University Virginia Seminary and College |
| Profession | Minister |
Walter Henry Maxwell, Sr. (born April 3, 1935 – died November 13, 2010) was an important American politician and a Baptist minister. He was from Newport News, Virginia. Mr. Maxwell was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1983 to 1993. Later, he served in the Senate of Virginia from 1993 to 2004.
Contents
Who Was W. Henry Maxwell?
Walter Henry Maxwell, Sr. was born on April 3, 1935. His birthplace was Reidsville, North Carolina. He grew up in Newport News, Virginia.
Early Life and Education
Maxwell finished high school in 1951. He went to George Washington Carver High School. After that, he studied at Norfolk State University and Virginia State University. He earned a special degree in theology from Virginia Seminary and College. In 1974, he received a higher degree from the same school.
In 1957, he married Gladys Mae Jones. They had three children together. Their names were Walter Jr., Ronald, and A'ngela. For many years, Mr. Maxwell was the minister at Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News.
Starting His Political Journey
After a big count of people in 1980, Virginia changed its election rules. The Virginia House of Delegates created new districts. In 1982, Bobby Scott was elected to a new district. But then, Mr. Scott won another election for a different job. This left his old seat open.
The Democratic Party chose Mr. Maxwell to take Mr. Scott's place. On January 11, 1983, Maxwell won this special election. He beat his opponent, James W. Parker. Maxwell received a large majority of the votes. Later that year, he won a full term in the House of Delegates.
Serving in the House of Delegates
Mr. Maxwell was reelected several times. He won without anyone running against him in 1985 and 1989. In other elections, he easily defeated independent candidates. He always received more than 80% of the votes.
While in the House, he worked on several important groups. These groups focused on things like the Chesapeake Bay, public health, and natural resources.
Moving to the State Senate
In 1992, Bobby Scott was elected to the United States House of Representatives. This left another open spot, this time in the state Senate. Again, Mr. Maxwell was chosen to fill Mr. Scott's seat.
On December 15, 1992, Maxwell won a special election for the 2nd Senate district. He was one of four people running. He received the most votes. After this, Flora D. Crittenden was elected to take Maxwell's old seat in the House of Delegates.
Years in the Senate
Mr. Maxwell was reelected to the Senate in 1995 without any opponents. In 1999, he won again. He received 80% of the votes against an independent candidate.
As a Senator, Mr. Maxwell worked on committees. These committees handled topics like transportation, business, and social services. He decided not to run for reelection in 2003. This was because of health problems.
Later Life and Passing
Walter Henry Maxwell passed away on November 13, 2010. He was 75 years old. He died from health issues related to diabetes and Parkinson's disease. He was staying with his daughter near Detroit, Michigan at the time. Mr. Maxwell was buried in Hampton, Virginia.
