Vakita Elaine Maxwell

In Loving Memory of Vakita Elaine "Bowita" Maxwell

On August 19, 1985, the world welcomed a queen, her name... Vakita Elaine Maxwell, fondly known by her family as "Bowita". Vakita illuminated the world with her warm heart, infectious laughter, and selfless spirit for nearly 38 years. Born in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, to Vakita Kilgoe and Hyram Horne, she radiated light until October 6, 2023, when she left this world, leaving a legacy of love, compassion, and countless cherished memories.

Vakita's journey began in the vibrant neighborhood of Harbor Point, where she spent her childhood, spreading joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She had three sisters: Maria Wilson, Michelle Kilgoe, Mary Kilgoe (deceased), and one brother, Hyram Horne Jr. Vakita was a proud graduate of Charlestown High School, and it was there in her freshman year in 1999, where she would meet the love of her life, Kirk Maxwell. The two have stayed close ever since. Vakita went to McIntosh College, the University of Phoenix, and Blaine Hair School to pursue her education. Her passion for hair blossomed in cosmetology school, and she quickly became the family's beloved hairdresser, using her talent to make her loved ones feel special.

On September 22, 2007, Vakita and Kirk made their union official and were married at Twelfth Baptist Church in Boston, MA. While her wedding was undoubtedly one of the happiest days of her life, Vakita and Kirk would never know a more profound love than the one they would have for the four children God has blessed them with Aulani Marie Maxwell (12 years old), Aiden Orlando Maxwell (8 years old), Amir Grayson Maxwell (6 years old), and Alaiya Gianna Maxwell (2 years old). Vakita's love for her children knew absolutely no bounds. She'd move mountains and travel to the universe's farthest reaches to ensure that her kids never went without spiritual guidance, educational opportunities, or fly gear. She went the extra mile to provide them with anything they needed. Her boundless generosity didn't stop with her family; she had this extraordinary ability to make any occasion feel truly magical, no matter how small.
She was the ultimate team mom for her son's Mattapan Patriots team. Vakita took so much pride in ensuring her son's team had all they needed, and she was their biggest cheerleader. Whether designing football sweatshirts or sending out reminders, she kept things running like clockwork. But what was truly special about her was how her laughter and energy spread like wildfire, bringing joy and a real sense of togetherness to the sidelines where she cheered on her baby boy.

One of the defining qualities that endeared Vakita to everyone was her boundless caring and thoughtfulness. She undoubtedly loved every one of her family members and would go the extra mile to show them how much she cared. She had an uncanny ability to anticipate the needs of others, whether it was a birthday surprise or randomly filling a need, even before anyone had a chance to ask. Her selflessness knew no bounds, and she consistently put the needs and happiness of others ahead of her own.

The term "nice" is so cliché, but it was precisely who Vakita was; she was simply a nice person, willing to go the extra mile for others and never expected anything in return. Vakita extended her benevolent influence to even those she had never met, generously volunteering with the "Belle of the Ball" organization for over four years. She helped low-income high school students, who might otherwise not have had the opportunity, attend their school's prom. She helped instill confidence and the belief that dreams could come true, even just by feeling beautiful for one special night. Her volunteerism did not end there; over the years, she has served as a strong presence in her church - Living Waters, where she fed the homeless at Pine Street Inn, helped organize Christmas plays, apple picking trips for the youth, black history month observances, served as a member of the choir, helped out with the church finances, and taught Sunday school class. And because she was such a caretaker, she was the cornerstone of her family, the leader of the pack, and the one who paved the way for love and unity.

Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her husband, Kirk Orlando Maxwell, daughter Aulani Marie Maxwell, sons Aiden Orlando Maxwell and Amir Grayson Maxwell, and daughter Alaiya Gianna Maxwell. She is also survived by her loving parents, Vakita Kilgoe Hyram Horne, grandmother Joyce Horne, and her cherished in-laws, Judy Maxwell and Gregston Maxwell. Bowita leaves behind her adoring siblings: Maria Wilson, husband Johnnie Wilson, Michelle Kilgoe, Hyram Horne Jr., and the memory of her late sister, Mary Kilgoe. Additionally, she leaves many friends and family who will forever cherish her boundless love and radiant spirit.

In the storybook of life, Vakita Elaine "Bowita" Maxwell's vibrant chapter will forever be etched in the pages of our hearts. She leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and selflessness, a timeless narrative that will continue to inspire and uplift us all. Bowita, you authored our lives with countless beautiful stories, and we will forever treasure the tales of joy you brought into our world and pass them on to your children! You will be missed but never forgotten; your words and stories are forever imprinted in the pages of our hearts.