Barbara Jean (Harwood) McLain

Barbara Harwood McLain went home to Jesus on April 22, 2023 at age 84.

Barbara was born to Edwin (Big Daddy) and Mildred (Big Momma) Harwood on October 25, 1938 in Honoraville, AL.

Barbara graduated from Judson College with a Bachelors degree in 1960 and later received a Masters degree from Troy State University in 1977.

Barbara married Grady “Cecil” McLain Jr. on February 13, 1960 and went on to have four children, Michael, Mitchell, Michelle and Bart and raised their family in Bay Minette, AL. Barbara was a school teacher for most of her working years.

In addition to being a dedicated teacher and loving mother, Barbara loved to travel and never hesitated to get in her car and travel to be with family and friends across the country – continuing to do so well into her 80s. She and her sisters enjoyed travelling together and went on many cruises and vacations. She and her sisters were some of the biggest Bama football fans that you could find – all whooping, jumping around and hollering “Roll Tide!” on big plays.

Throughout her entire life, Barbara held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her, including people all around the world. She shared the gospel with people in Africa, Mexico, and Montana on her mission trips. Barbara also served many needy communities in the U.S. on natural disaster relief trips. She also travelled to Israel and greatly enjoyed her much-anticipated visit to the Holy Land.

After becoming a grandmother in the mid 80s, she was simply known as “MawMaw” and husband Cecil was called “GranGran” by their children and grandchildren, and later by her many great-grandchildren.

Barbara joins many family members in Heaven: her loving husband of over 35 years Cecil McLain, parents Edwin and Mildred Harwood, three sisters Thelma Holley, Ethel Massey, and Edwina Burke, and infant brother. She is survived by one sister Stella Broome, her four children, Michael (Angie), Mitchell (Nancy), Michelle Peterson (Don), and Bart (Carla). She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Barbara Harwood McLain will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Bay Minette, AL. Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m. with the service following at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at New Life Baptist Church just north of Bay Minette off Rabun Road.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Annie Armstrong mission fund at https://give.anniearmstrong.com.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life”.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Jean (Harwood) McLain, please visit our floral store.