About Maxine Smith
Lived 1929 – 2013 (aged 83). Maxine Smith was an American academic and civil rights advocate, known for American Civil Rights Movement.
Maxine (Atkins) Smith (October 31, 1929 — April 26, 2013) born in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, was an academic, civil rights activist, and school board official.
Smith's leadership in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and her involvement with educational planning at both the local and state levels in Tennessee, enabled her to support the American Civil Rights Movement and advance school desegregation.
Personal life and education Smith was the youngest of three children of Joseph and Georgia Rounds Atkins. Smith gave birth to a son in 1956. This led Smith to become involved with the Memphis Branch of the NAACP. In 1962, Smith was named Executive Secretary of the branch, and continued in that role until her retirement in 1995.
Death Smith had a number of health issues, and underwent heart surgery in 2012. She died April 26, 2013, at age 83, and was buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis. Congressman Steve Cohen commented:
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Important facts
People in Maxine Smith's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Maxine Smith?
American academic and civil rights activist (1929–2013)
When was Maxine Smith born?
Maxine Smith was born on 31 October 1929 in Memphis.
When did Maxine Smith die?
Maxine Smith died on 26 April 2013.
What was Maxine Smith's occupation?
Maxine Smith was an academic and civil rights advocate.
What was Maxine Smith known for?
Maxine Smith was known for American Civil Rights Movement.
What nationality was Maxine Smith?
Maxine Smith was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Maxine Smith. https://biography.guide/maxine-smith/
MLA: "Maxine Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/maxine-smith/.
Chicago: "Maxine Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/maxine-smith/.
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