TheBakersfieldCalifornian.com

Michelle Maxwell knew what was going on in town before anyone else.

That was just her nature, constantly gathering information and doing whatever was in her power to help family and friends, said those who attended her funeral Friday.

Judy Jenkins said she always thought of Maxwell as a bouncing ball.

"I loved how she could be down one day, but then the next day she would be on top of the world again," Jenkins said.

Hundreds of people crammed into Grace Assembly of God Church to remember Maxwell, who died Feb. 2 in a crash involving an off-duty Kern County firefighter Bakersfield police allege was driving drunk. Maxwell's daughter Michaela, 15, suffered several injuries in the crash. She attended the funeral in a wheelchair and with her left arm in a cast.

Maxwell lived in Bakersfield and was a mother of three. She was 41 years old.

The pain caused by her death was evident in the hugs shared outside the church and the tears that accompanied the service. One woman had "In Loving Memory Michelle M. Maxwell" tattooed on her upper back.

Two collages of pictures placed at the front of the church showed Maxwell with friends and family, including a picture of her in cap and gown. She received an associate in arts degree from Bakersfield College last year and was continuing her education at San Joaquin Valley College.

With all these reminders of a life cut short, Pastor Eddie Summers called for churchgoers to let go of their anger and instead begin to forgive. He said Maxwell's husband, Jerry, told him that he also has decided to forgive.

"We need to bring healing to the city," Summers said.

The firefighter, Mitchell Green, remains in critical condition at Fresno Community Regional Medical Center, officials said.

Summers shared humorous stories about Maxwell, including her penchant for finding the latest gossip. She was always in the middle of whatever was happening, and her habits most likely haven't changed in heaven.

"She's probably there discussing with the disciples everything that's going on," Summers said.

Friend and "adopted sister" Jessica Dickson said Maxwell was a big fan of country music, especially Garth Brooks. Dickson read some lyrics from songs by Brooks and Tim McGraw -- she called them her two favorite philosophers -- during the service.

Dickson said Maxwell stood up for her when no one else was around. She's going to miss that steadfast friendship, including the late-night phone calls and the laughter they shared.

Jenkins also told of Maxwell's loyalty. She said Maxwell gave so much of herself that she sometimes ended up getting hurt because her emotions ran so strong.

Love of family is what motivated and sustained Maxwell, Jenkins said. Maxwell at times struggled with health problems and became exhausted, she said.

Maxwell called Jenkins earlier on the day she died and talked about how weary she felt.

"She said 'I'm so tired. I just want to see Jesus,'" Jenkins said. "Who would know that night she would?"