Marilyn Winsett, 82, of Fayetteville passed away Saturday, August 1, 2026 at her home. She was born May 14, 1944 in Memphis, TN to James Russell and Erma Floy Newberry Boatwright.
She was preceded in death by her parents James Russell Boatwright and Erma Floy Newberry McLeod.
Marilyn retired from the University of Arkansas in 2003. She always enjoyed family gatherings and cooking for everyone. Marilyn loved craft fairs, painting, fishing, traveling on adventures with her husband.
She is survived by her husband Keith Winsett of Fayetteville; one sister Debbie Gillespie of the Memphis area; two brothers, Russ and Leonard Boatwright, both of the Memphis area; her three daughters, Lenee Chadwick, Kimberly Vilasi, and Melanie Marquier; 6 grandchildren, Miranda Pate, Asten Muhr, Ashlee Terrill, Zack Reynolds, Brianna Ramos, and Zach Taylor; and 15 great-grandchildren, Madison, Madilynn, Elizabeth, Eva, Anastasia, Gianna, Cecilia, Lana, Layton, Angel, Cameron, Easton, Lucca, Emerson, and Elianna.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday, August 7, 2026 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the Farmington Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until service-time at the funeral home on Friday.
Such a warrior and beautiful person.
Sweet memories
She was a beautiful person and a great mamma. She loved everyone even me when I was a teenager. She took me in and let me stay a lot. She grounded me to. But that’s what made you great. I love her for that. She loved me. Her family was good to me. She was a great person. She will be greatly missed
Marilyn was such a beautiful soul, she welcomed me to her home with open arms. Visited a few times, for jewelry parties and just to visit! Such a wonderful lady, I was blessed to be in her life a bit. Marilyn, may you rest in peace and God bless you! Much ❤️
Every memory I have of Mamma is her smiling and loving on her Grand babies. The only time I ever saw her fangs come out was over her Grand babies. She had a warrior spirit for family that was pure and from the heart. Hands down the hardest worker and no one could touch her round steak and gravy!!!!! I admired her grit she had to keep up family traditions and when Mamma invited you to a dinner you did not turn her down. Mamma I learned to have compassion from your examples. I love you and you will be greatly missed…