” The Righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are Blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7 On April 2, 1943 Maurice Eugene Mickens was born to the late Earl and Irene Ballard. When love entered Irene’s life for a second time in 1948 to John J. Mickens, Maurice’s name was changed to Mickens. Maurice was raised in Harlem New York, on St. Nicholas Terrace, where he enjoyed playing sports, particularly baseball. He was nicknamed “Little Jackie Robinson”. Maurice attended New York City public schools, graduating from Evander Childs High School. In 1960, he married Jean Cash. This union lasted 13 years, and produced two children, Robyn and Rodney. Robyn was called home by Our Heavenly Father on August 1, 1999. On June 24, 1978, he married Joan Fisher, blending the family together with Joan’s children Michael, Mark and Simone. The family then moved to Freeport Long Island, and shortly thereafter adopted a daughter, Chanel Florio. Maurice was employed at Chemical Bank in New York City in 1969 as a computer operator. He later achieved the title of Systems Analyst with the company. Maurice became very passionate about community service involving youth. From 1969 to 1972, he along with some friends formed a group named “ICW”(Inter Cultural Workshop). The group hosted trips to museums, campgrounds and ski resorts. The group also held productions of plays that were written and directed by Maurice. His works in the community continued in Florida at the MLK Jr. Coalition Center. Maurice became a member of Charity Baptist Church in 1968, which was founded by his parents Jack and Irene Mickens. He later became a Deacon, continuing to serve The Lord, He also continued to advocate for the youth. In the late 1980’s, while living in New York City, Maurice started a limousine business, In 1992, Maurice and Joan relocated to Florida. They remained loyal servants as Deacon and Deaconess of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Clearwater Florida, until Joan was called home by Our Heavenly Father on February 13, 2009. Maurice found love again, marrying Patricia Watts on September 14, 2013. He continued his community service and mentoring, with Pat by his side, until he was called home after his long battle with illness, on Monday November 22, 2021. Cherishing and remembering him lovingly are his devoted wife Patricia Mickens, his children Rodney, Simone, Chanel, Michael, and Mark. His brother Raymond Mickens, and his brother Wayne Mickens who was called home on June 17, 2012. His daughter-in-law Janet Mickens. Twenty-one grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and devoted friends.

Maurice local Celebration of Life services will be as follows: Wake Service will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and the Memorial Service will begin at 12:00 noon. All services will be held at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., Clearwater, FL 33755.

A final Tribute will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 15, 2022, with a Wake from 9:00 to 10:00 AM all at the Charity Baptist Church 1701 Townsend Ave., Bronx, NY 10453.

Smith-Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services in charge of local arrangement