Maggie Lea Crabtree, 95, of Riceville took her last breath on Earth and her first breath in Heaven on Tuesday morning, July 21, 2026. She was a native and lifelong resident of McMinn County and the Claxton community. Maggie was born on January 12, 1931, to Ervin “Brunner” and Nola Akins. She attended Claxton School and was Valedictorian of her class. Maggie grew up playing basketball for Claxton and softball for the Possomettes. She helped to establish J.H. Kellman Company in Cleveland, TN where she worked until 1992. Not one to sit still for long, she continued to help operate the family farm after her retirement. She could be found outdoors on the farm tending her garden, weeding, mowing and trimming anytime the weather would allow. She was also proud to serve with the local election commission for many years. Maggie was the constant companion of her son, Tim, on the farm and assisted him until her health no longer allowed her to do so. She was a member of Jones Chapel Methodist Church. Maggie found peace and comfort in Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”

Maggie was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Crabtree, son, Daniel Crabtree, daughters-in-law Kathy and Vickie Crabtree and granddaughter, Tenille Crabtree. She was blessed to find love a second time with second husband Earl Rayburn, who also preceded her in death as well as siblings: Genevieve Clabo, Mason “Mutt” Akins, Kenneth Akins, Edward Akins, Thurman Akins, Thelma Akins and infant brother, Charlie.

Maggie leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons and spouses, Timothy and Lisa Crabtree, Daryl and Dianne Crabtree; Six grandchildren including special granddaughters and devoted caregivers, Tiffany and Brittany Crabtree and granddaughter, Amy Crabtree Thomas; several great-grandchildren, Hunter Clark, Kadyn Copeland, MacKenzie Copeland, Emilee Thomas, and Austin Thomas; brother, Gary Akins; Stepchildren, Linda Denham, Ricky and Douglas Rayburn, very special sister-in-law Reba Akins, several great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Friday, July 24, 2026, in the Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Pastor Burt Beria officiating.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday prior to the service.

Interment will follow the service at Jones Chapel Cemetery.

Hunter Clark, Austin Thomas, Kadyn Copeland, Tanner Cook, Taylor Cook, and Trevor Peel will serve as pall bearers.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Larry Rowland for providing bagpipes by Brad Collins and a beautiful dove release by Dale Liner.