Marian Leslie Maxwell Cook

Marian Leslie Maxwell Cook “Poet For Peace” May 09, 1958~August 02, 2026 Marian Leslie Maxwell Cook, affectionately known as “Leslie”, “Poet for Peace”, “Les”, or “Little Sis”, 68, of West Wendover, Nevada, passed away on August 02, 2026 after entering hospice on July 19, 2026 at Monument Hospital located in Taylorsville, Utah. Born on May 09, 1958 at Burton Mercy Hospital located in Detroit, Michigan to Melvin Lloyd Maxwell Sr. and Carrie Beatrice Jones Maxwell. She joined sister Bernardine and brother Melvin as the youngest member of the Maxwell family. Shortly after her birth, Leslie demonstrated a level of spirituality and maturity which would be evident throughout her life. Leslie accepted Christ into her life at an early age and requested a prayer altar at age two. She attended Sunday School regularly as a child and was baptized on May 07, 1961. She joined the youth group founded by the Honorable Nicholas Hood III, then an assistant associate minister at Plymouth United Church of Christ in Detroit which strengthened her beliefs and created lifelong bonds of friendship. Reverend Hood remained one of Leslie's most esteemed and revered elders throughout her life. Leslie attended Mac Dowell Elementary then Beaubien Middle School, graduating with honors from Mumford Senior High School in 1976. Leslie studied Speech Pathology at University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor for two years before relocating to San Francisco, California. A lifelong learner, Leslie continued her studies in California becoming a licensed Cosmetologist, working briefly for renowned hair stylist Paul Mitchell. Leslie worked as a model for various local designers appearing in print and live shows. In a destination wedding, Leslie married Timothy Cook in a lovely mountaintop setting in Reno, California settling Walnut Creek, California. Over the next few years she attended Contra Costa College, participated in several community endeavors and hosted a cable variety show. During this time, Leslie facilitated the publication of “When We Were Young”, a collection of autobiographical short stories written by her mother, Carrie. Leslie traveled to several venues around the country with her mother to promote the book's publication. Soon after, Leslie published her own book of poetry entitled “Butterscotch Filled Orange Slices.” A divorce and the untimely death of her much loved mother Carrie marked a return to Detroit. In 2017 Leslie decided to relocate to West Wendover, Nevada, where she resided until the time of her passing. Leslie was known for her kindness, generosity, and love of life. She was deeply passionate about community service, and spent many years volunteering for various causes. Her enthusiasm for life and dedication to helping those in need will leave a lasting impact on all that knew her. She is survived by her sister Bernadine Carroll; her brother Melvin L. Maxwell Jr; Beloved Aunt Marlene (Columbus, GA); Beloved “Uncle Daddy” Joseph Jones Jr (Goose Creek, SC), Several cousins especially Carlotta(SC), Maria (SC), and Darrell;(AR); Many other friends and family who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Lloyd Maxwell Sr. and mother, Carrie Beatrice Jones Maxwell. A celebration of Leslie's life will be planned at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Leslie's memory. Leslie's warmth, generosity, and unwavering support for others will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her.