Minnie Lillian (Leggs) McEwen

Minnie Lillian Leggs McEwen (passionately known as Miss Lillian) was born March 17, 1934, in Waterford, Mississippi, to the late William Perry Leggs and Pearl Foster Leggs.  She professed her faith in Christ at a young age and joined Mt. Moriah Church.  She later moved to Oxford, Mississippi, and united with Beverly United Methodist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her husband’s health failed and later her own health.  

Minnie Lillian received her education at Rosenwald School in Holly Springs, MS.  Lillian was employed at the University of Mississippi Food Services, Kellwood Jean Factory, and later ended her employment as a custodian at the University of Mississippi Law School.

Minnie Lillian united in holy matrimony to Dennis McEwen on January 26, 1954, to this union three children were born, Ruthie Genel, William Ira, and Herbert Bernard McEwen.  

Miss Lillian’s super power was hospitality.  Her ministry was serving her community at large.  Her quote was “We got to get out of these walls, people need us out there” She was truly a servant of God.  

On Thursday, November 9, 2023, Minnie Lillian departed this life peacefully, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi, to live eternally with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, her daughter, Ruthie Genel, a great-grandson, Nehemiah Hodges, and a special nephew, Cleophus L. McEwen.  Also, her parents, and sixteen brothers and sisters.

Minnie Lillian leaves to cherish her memories her sons, William (Bobbie) and Herbert McEwen, both of Oxford, MS; Eight grandchildren: Landria, Kwan, Shanda, Kendric (Kimberly), Niko (Lamyia), Linita (Brandon), Iyan (Alexis), and Imani; eight great-grandchildren: Keynin, Kwandarius, Kimya, Makai, Kennedy, Noah, Kaden, Malaysia, and Olivia. One sister, Ruby Taylor, Holly Springs, MS; sister-in-law, Virginia McEwen Thomas of Milwaukee, WI; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Please keep the McEwen/Leggs family in your prayers.