MARILYN WAYNE RAINEY WILSON

Fort Worth, Texas - With unwavering strength and a heart as generous as her legendary meals, Marilyn Wayne Rainey Wilson, 68, passed away Friday morning February 14. She lived a life of deep love, resilience, and service, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Born and raised in Crisp County, Georgia, Marilyn was the daughter of William Donzel Rainey and Charlotte Taunton Rainey. She was the devoted wife of Earl Stephen Wilson, a cherished mother to Fredrick “Rick” Wayne Reynolds and daughter-in-law Brenna, and a beloved “Grandma” to her grandchildren.

A natural leader, Marilyn served the Cordele community in many ways: baking the cake for the State of Georgia Celebration of Jimmy Carter’s inauguration on January 20, 1977 in Washington D.C., farming on the Reynolds Farm, participating in the Lioness Club, and serving as Little League President before moving to Albany, GA, where she managed food and catering at the Elks Lodge. The Great Flood of 1994 led her to Dickson, TN, where she built a new chapter—owning Town & Country Restaurant and serving on the Downtown Dickson Association. Later, she and Steve traveled Tennessee, sharing her love for food through chuck wagon catering at fairs and festivals.

They next moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where her years were filled with love, laughter, and the simple joys of hosting parties for family and friends. Above all, she cherished time with her family; especially being with her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her dog Buddy. 

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Steve Wilson; her siblings, Patricia Jones, Doug and Trisha Rainey, and Joe and Angie Rainey of Cordele, Georgia; son, Rick and his wife, Brenna, and grandchildren, Keylee Della, Kaysen Rainey, Kendal Mattie of Grand Junction, Colorado, Colt and Meghan Kenney of Fort Collins, Colorado, Christa Harvey of Grand Junction, Colorado, JW and Andrea Wilson and grandchildren, Ryder and Reese Wilson of Fort Worth, Texas, and Kristi Wilson and grandson, Hudson Hawkins of Fort Worth, Texas; and her six great grandchildren along with countless nieces, nephews and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests stories, pictures, and memories to honor her legacy and be compiled into a family book. Via email: Marilynraineywilson@gmail.com, Facebook: Remembering Marilyn Rainey Wilson, or by mail c/o: Rick Reynolds, 285 30 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503.

Marilyn’s table was always full. Her heart, even fuller.

Rest in love, Marilyn. Your story lives on.