Leigh McLain Maxwell was born to Jim and Barbara McLain of Memphis, Tenn. on April 17, 1968. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Brian Timothy Maxwell, who went to his heavenly home Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021. Leigh joined her Lord and Savior and Brian on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021, exactly two weeks apart! They shared an amazing love story; totally devoted to each other; they truly completed one another. They were married Dec. 19, 2020. Leigh and Brian had only six weeks and five days to live as husband and wife.
Leigh leaves two precious sons, Coleman McLain Frazier of Beaumont, Texas and Miller Barden Frazier of Austin, Texas; sister, Holley McLain Ring; brother-in-law, Christopher Allen Ring and niece, Anna Garris Ring of Arlington, Tenn.
She was a graduate from Briarcrest Christian High School in 1986. She attended Union University where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She graduated from the University of Memphis in 1990 with a degree in Education. Leigh taught in Memphis, Richton., and in Clarksdale she taught at Presbyterian Day School and Kirkpatrick Health & Medical Science Magnet School.
In the summer of 1979 Leigh made the most important decision of her life around the campfire at Children’s Camp. Leigh knew God’s Truth; she knew she was a sinner, needed Jesus as her Savior and she invited Him into her heart.
Leigh was born to be a teacher, never desiring any other occupation. Her mother tried to discourage her until the youth at her church were getting ready to have Backyard Bible Clubs. Leigh was so excited! She began preparing her lessons and getting it all organized. Barbara was convinced from then on that she would encourage Leigh to follow her God-given passion to teach children. Although teaching was a passion of hers, Leigh’s favorite job was being a mother to Coleman and Miller. Her love for them was evident in all that she did for them. She made it a priority to attend everything they were involved in growing up. She loved those boys dearly and will always be proud of them. In the end, what matters most is being able to say as Jesus said “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” (John 17:4) Any time you can say that, you did it right and Leigh did it right!
Visitation will be 10 to 11 .m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at Clarksdale Baptist Church in Clarksdale with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m.
Graveside service will be held at 4 p.m at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Rd, Bartlett, TN 38133. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations/memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Chase Bailey. Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale is handling the arrangements.
