Marilyn Wayne Rainey Wilson

Published 4:25 pm Thursday, February 27, 2025

March 28, 1956 – February 14, 2025

With unwavering strength and a heart as generous as her legendary meals, Marilyn Wayne Rainey Wilson, 68, passed away on February 14, 2025, in Fort Worth, TX. 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 the late William Donzel 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 through providing the cake for the Jimmy Carter election celebration in 1976, farming on the Reynolds Farm, the Lioness Club, as Little League President, and in finance 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.

Her years in Fort Worth were filled with love, laughter, and the simple joys of hosting friends and gatherings, floating in the pool with Buddy her dog, and playing the slots at the Casino with Steve. Above all, she cherished time with her family; especially being with her grandchildren.

Marilyn is survived by her siblings Patricia Jones, Doug (Trisha) Rainey, and Joe (Angie) Rainey of Cordele, GA as well as her bonus children, JW (Andrea) Wilson and children Ryder and Reese, Kristi Wilson and son Hudson Hawkins of Fort Worth, TX. She adored her grandchildren—Keylee Della, Kaysen Rainey, Kyndal Mattie (Grand Junction, CO), Colt (Meghan) Kenney (Fort Collins, CO), Christa Harvey (Grand Junction, CO), 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. Please share via em

ail (marilynraineywilson@gmail.com), Facebook (Remembering Marilyn Rainey Wilson), or mail (Rick Reynolds, 285 30 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81503) to be compiled into a family book.

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

Rest in love, Marilyn. Your story lives on.

Graveside Services for Marilyn were held at 3:00 p.m., on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Sunnyside Cemetery with Rev. Jimmy Black officiating. The family will gather at the home of Doug Rainey starting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.