Mary Jane Maydwell was born November 16,1954 in Osceola, Arkansas to the parents Willie James Washington and Ethel Mae Chalk.  She was educated in Arkansas until the death of her mother, prompting her move to Fort Wayne, IN with her siblings to live with her Aunt Erma Smith and Uncle Willie Smith, where she attended Fort Wayne public school, Elmhurst High School.  This is where she met Loveless Orlando Maydwell who she married and had 3 children with, Dayran J. Maydwell, and Lasundrala Cotton and Marquet Maydwell. During their marriage and raising their children, she attended Central High School to receive her CNA degree.  Mary was preceded in death by her son Marquet Maydwell and her husband Loveless Orlando Maydwell, along with her older brothers Raymond Washington Sr. and Willie James Washington.   

Mary, affectionately called “Ernestein” by her family, enjoyed music and knitting blankets for family and friends. She also enjoyed western movies and spending time with her kids and grandkids. Mary worked numerous jobs to provide for herself and her family.  She was a quiet woman who enjoyed going to the Goodwill and rummage sales. She also enjoyed spending time with her brothers and sisters, Guy Washington, and his wife Vicky, Donald Washington and his twin brother Ronald Washington, and his wife Pat, Matt Lee Washington, and his wife Rose, Vincent Washington, and his wife Pumpkin, her sister Erma Chapman, and husband James Chapman, Aunt Peanut and husband Smokey, of West Virginia, and Dorothy Faye Washington, of New York.  

Mary transitioned from this life on July 9th, 2025 leaving behind her beloved daughter, Lasundrala Cotton and her husband Dave Cotton, her beloved son, Dayran Maydwell (Tanisha Bright) and grandchildren, Dayvonna J. Maydwell of Tampa, Florida, Kirhee Maydwell (Liz Taylor) of Ft. Wayne, Nicholas Maydwell of Tampa, Florida, Christopher Jackson of Palm Beach, Florida,  Jonquaivia Gay of Orlando, Florida, Wayna Price of Tampa, Florida, Marquet Maydwell Jr. of New York, Asia Maydwell of New York, and the mother Nikki Maydwell with some great-grandchildren.  Mary also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews and cousins, friends, and extended family members. 

Our family would like to give a special thank you to The Rescue Mission for their contribution and support and the many others that have helped us during this difficult time.  

And finally, we would like to give a special thank you to Joyce Caldwell for praying over our beloved mother during the service.  We appreciate your heartfelt words of love and support.