Carol McClain

Obituary

After a long battle with ALS, Carol Louise McClain (Simpson), 59, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2020 surrounded by her daughters and husband of nearly 35 years.  Born February 20, 1960 to Jane & William Simpson, Carol grew up in Indianapolis and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture and Agronomy from Purdue University in 1982, followed by her teaching certification from Indiana University in 1990.

As a science teacher for 27 years in Clay Community 1999 - 2005, Southwest Sullivan 2005 – 2014, and Linton Stockton Schools 2015 - 2018, Carol touched hundreds of lives. Her passion, creativity, determination, and love for science and her students shone each day.  She is fondly remembered as the “cool teacher who made learning fun and exciting.” She cared deeply about her students well after they left her classroom, and although ALS forced Carol to retire early from teaching in 2018, she never lost her drive to connect with former students as long as she was able. 

Spring was always Carol’s favorite time of year, and just like her beloved grandmother, you could find her elbows deep in fresh soil, planting her favorite flowers and singing along with the songbirds.  When she wasn’t in her garden, Carol and Jack loved visiting different garden centers, driving through state parks or fishing on Patoka Lake. 

Carol’s love for music was a chord that carried throughout her life. From the marching band at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, to the marching band and symphony at Purdue University, and finally as a member of the Brazil Concert Band for 16 years, her flute playing was another gift she shared enthusiastically with those around her.  

Carol will be remembered for her sense of humor, broad smile, contagious laughter, love for teaching, gardening, musical talents, the outdoors, and most importantly her students and family. 

Carol is survived by her husband Jack McClain, daughters Jacilyn (Jake) Wallace and Anna McClain, three older sisters, Barbara Robinson, Kathy Morton, and Sandy Washburn, and several nieces & nephews. 

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 22 from 1 - 4pm, with a 4pm service at Holmes Memorial Chapel, 642 W. Silver St, Sullivan, Indiana.  A private internment will take place later at Maple Hill Cemetery, Plainfield, Indiana.

In Lieu of flowers, Carol’s nieces and nephews have put together a GoFundMe page to help with Carol’s medical/funeral final expenses. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/carol-mcclain-medical-and-memorial-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet