Maxine L. Carlson

Maxine L. Carlson, 86, of Grand Rapids, passed on Sunday, June 23, gratefully trusting God’s saving grace. With her beloved pastor-husband, Fred, she served six Michigan churches: North Park Baptist, Grand Rapids, MI; First Baptist, Allegan; Bethel Baptist, Kalamazoo; First Baptist, Newberry; and First Baptist, Cedar Springs. From 1980-86 she was Circulation Supervisor for Cornerstone University’s Miller Library, and the Seminary Wives Advisor. From 1984 through 1999, she served alongside her husband in the Baptist Mid-Missions Bibles International Bible Society. Maxine often thanked the Lord for the "Lights of her life," the loving family He gave her: Children and grandchildren: Rev. Gregory (Lorelei Ostrander), of Allegan; Bradley (Sandra Zontok-Roche), of Alden; Jeffery (Nadine Martel), of Hastings, Rev. Kelly (Joy Afman), of Newberry; Sonja (David Ketcham) of Wyoming MI; her precious 25 grandchildren and 26 "greats"; her “adopted" families: Dr. Hantz & Iguelle Bernard and children, Grand Rapids, and Rev. Jonathan & Hannah Victor and children of Maduri, India; her surviving siblings: Rev. Howard (Shirley) Reed, Irene Reed Kalnbach, Mrs. Charles (Ruth) Reed, Alan Teed, and Harold Reed; her sister-in-law, Elin and Don Traver; her Emmons cousins; many nieces and nephews; and a myriad of dear friends. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, at Calvary Baptist Church, 1200 28th St., S.E., Grand Rapids, followed by an 11:00 a.m. service celebrating God’s grace in her life, with Rev. Gregory Carlson, son, Moderating, and Drs. Jeff Halsted and James Jeffery, speaking. Memorial gifts may be made to Bibles International, 609 36th St SE, Grand Rapids MI 49548. Arrangements by K E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, MI.