Kelly Leigh Maxwell

Kelly Leigh Maxwell, age 38 of Garner, North Carolina, died Monday, July 12, 2021, following a sudden illness.  Kelly was born on September 30, 1982, and was a native of Rutherford County. 

Kelly was a graduate of R-S Central High School and attended Gardner-Webb University where she received her undergraduate degree in Marketing.  Following her desire to teach, she enrolled at N.C. State where she received her Master’s in education.  She was currently a teacher in History and Civics at Garner Magnet High School and a former softball coach.  She was a dedicated educator and the love for her students and fellow teachers was always evident.  

Early on, she gained a love for softball which began with Rutherfordton Little League and continued through high school as well as church league softball.  As a member of Spencer Baptist Church in Spindale, she found a church family that she dearly loved.  Her fun loving sprit allowed her to make friends where ever she went and one of her greatest joys was time spent at the beach. 

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wilton and Ruth Maxwell and Robert and Virginia Churchwell. 

Survivors include her parents, Toby and Karen Maxwell of Rutherfordton, her brother, Patrick Maxwell of Raleigh, as well as her uncles, aunts, cousins, close lifelong friends and her beloved dog, Gunner. 

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Spencer Baptist Church in Spindale, North Carolina with the Reverend Bruce Caldwell, Reverend Dr. Keith Stephenson and her uncle, Reverend Ad Hopper officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1:45 in the Family Life Center at Spencer Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in the Piedmont Baptist Church Cemetery in Rutherfordton.  

For those that desire, the family request that memorials in her memory be made to Spencer Baptist Church Youth Fund, 187 N. Oak Street, Spindale, North Carolina 28160.  

The family is at the home of her parents in Rutherfordton.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.