Mae Emma Maples

Our beloved Mae Emma Maples entered eternal rest on March 5, 2025, in Summit, New Jersey. Born on May 31, 1955 in Greenwood, Mississippi, to the late Henry and Essie Mae Alexander. Mae was one of eighteen children. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep faith of community and Christian values that guided her throughout her life.

Mae's education and faith journey began in Greenwood, Mississippi, where she attended elementary and high school and gave her life to the Lord at the Mount Ararat Missionary Baptist Church.

Seeking greater opportunities, she later moved to New Jersey, a decision that led to a beautiful partnership with her husband, Frank Maples. Their union blossomed into a loving family of four children, a testament to their enduring love and devotion spanning over four decades.

Mae's professional life was marked by dedication and hard work. Most notably, she spent over twenty years as a valued employee of Rutgers University, a career that demonstrated her diligence and commitment.

Sister Mae's contributions extended beyond the workplace, as she devoted herself to her faith community for over 25 years at the Progressive Church of God in Christ in New Brunswick, New Jersey. During this time, she served diligently on numerous committees, including a significant role in the Woman's Ministry since 2010, and ultimately as President of the Hospitality Department, a position appointed by her late Pastor and Superintendent, Hubert Burwell Jr. Sister Mae also supported her husband, as he was elevated to Deacon of the Church, their union was a true partnership reflecting their shared faith.

Sister Mae's dedication to service was evident in her work for the Church's Outreach programs. Within the past 5 years she was instrumental in integrating community initiatives for the Hospitality Committee, including the Saturday Community Breakfast Program, Blessing Bags for the Homeless, and various Church missions under the leadership of her current Pastor, Elder Alonzo M. Harley. These actions highlighted her compassion and committment to serving those in need. Sister Mae's legacy is one of grace and strength. She touched countless lives with her kindness, her gentle spirit and her inspiring resilence. Her family and friends will remember her fondly for her unwavering faith in God's plan, often expressed in her characteristic phrase, "But God!" This phrase perfectly encapsulated her belief that even in the face of adversity, God was in control. 

Sister Mae is predeceased by her parents, Henry and Essie Mae Alexander; her mother-in-law, Essie Mae Maples; her daughter, Keisha Harris; brothers, Freddie, Henry and Dewey Alexander; sister Jannette Alexander; Brother-in-laws Greg, Edward and Joseph Maples. Sister-in-laws Sandra and Caroline Alexander; and Marie, Ethel and Margaret Maples.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Deacon Frank Maples; sons Frederick Alexander (Gcherri), Demetric Alexander (Devon), and Daishoin Harris Sr (Connie); grandchildren Aaron, Keith, Jamar, Daishoin Jr, Natayja, Demetric, Alyssandra, Mekhi, Kianah, D'andre, Nyaire and Nyasiah; great-grandson Miles; and a large extended family including Brothers Jesse Alexander (Belinda) Theodore Alexander, Robert Alexander (Lorraine), Larry Alexander, Lonnie Alexander, James Benjamin Alexander, Tyree Alexander; Sisters Vera Smith, Dora Hagins, Bertha Murchison (Bill), Mary Alexander, Gloria Alexander, and Annette Slade (Brian). Brother-in-laws Harry and Nate Maples; Sister-in-laws Evelyn and Annette Alexander and a host of nieces, nephews, church family and friends. 

Sister Mae was an anointed woman of God, a beacon of hope, encouragement and faith. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her. Rest in Glory, Mae.

Mae was affectionately called Skikee by her loved ones