Jib (Mary Elizabeth) McLain, 82, passed away Tuesday, September 12 at her home. She was preceded in death by her (former) husband and best friend, John Hamilton McLain, IV. Although Jib and John didn’t meet until their days at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama they were born only a few miles apart. She was born in Wetumpka and raised in Scottsboro, Alabama.
She was a Music major at Huntingdon College and taught piano for twenty years. Her love for music and the arts lead to her involvement with The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild where she served as President as well as various other positions. She served on many boards including the Historic Huntsville Foundation, Huntsville Youth Orchestra, Community Ballet, Twickenham Repertory Company, and the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, Alabama.
Jib was a dynamic fundraiser who loved to dream up exciting ways to raise money for causes dear to her. She served as the director of the Diabetes Association as well as The Arthritis Association, and then retired from the Alzheimer’s Association in 2010. In her mind, there was no sense in not having a fabulous time while raising money for a worthy cause. In addition, she was co-owner of MillHouse Properties, spending many hours renovating old houses in the Lowe Mill District.
She is survived by her five children, John Hamilton McLain, V, (Angela), George Sanford McLain, Wimberley Watts (John), Matthew Seth McLain, and David Alexander McLain and her ten grandchildren, Emily, Alex, Sanford, Cameron, Sarah, Preston, Christopher, Taylor, Madison, and Katie, as well as her first great-granddaughter, River.
We would like to acknowledge Ms. Dasie Miller, a wonderful lady, caregiver and companion to our mother, who became so much more to her in their short time together. She became a great friend to Jib and all her children as well.
Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on Friday, September 15 in Ridley Hall at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, with the service following at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild or The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 208 Eustis Avenue.
