Marilyn Rene Martinestz

Marilyn Rene Martinestz, passed away on August 14, 2026, in Geneva, Alabama, at the age of 64.

Marilyn was born on April 22, 1962, in Louisville, Alabama, to the late Joe and Julia Eunice Wilkinson. She spent the early years of her life in Louisville, where she was raised with the values of family, kindness, and perseverance that would remain with her throughout her life. She graduated from Louisville High School and carried the lessons of her upbringing into every season of her life.

Marilyn worked at the airport, where she checked tickets and performed her duties with care and reliability. She was known for her warm spirit and her ability to make others feel welcome. Marilyn met no strangers and carried herself with a friendly and loving nature that left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She was a selfless woman who often put the needs of others before her own, and she was admired for the peace she kept among people and the calm presence she brought into any room.

Family was the center of Marilyn’s life. She loved spending time with her loved ones and treasured every moment shared with them. She especially loved her granddaughter dearly and found great joy in the company of her family. Marilyn also loved her late husband, Maurice Martinestz, with all her heart. Their 15 years of marriage were filled with love, companionship, and devotion. She enjoyed eating his food and held his memory close to her heart. Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Maurice Martinestz, and by her sisters, Betty Campbell and Mary Jane Robinson, as well as her brothers, Edward Wilkinson, Joe Jr. Wilkinson, Robert Wilkinson, and David Wilkinson.

Marilyn found comfort and joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved listening to gospel music and sermons, and her faith-filled listening reflected the peace and strength she carried within her. She enjoyed working in her flower garden and took pride in caring for the things she loved. Her pets were dear to her, and she cherished her fur babies, Sammy and Scooter. Marilyn was also a shopper who enjoyed visiting thrift stores, always finding delight in the hunt for something special. She was always smiling, and her cheerful presence brought light to those around her. Even in difficult times, she was a fighter, and her strength inspired those who knew her best.

She leaves to cherish her memory her nieces, Kim Campbell, who was also her caregiver, and Stacey (Keith) Bunn; her great niece, Chloe Bunn; her grandchild, Na'Kaiyah Holmes; her brother, William Wilkinson; her brother-in-law, James Robinson; several nieces and nephews; and three great-great nephews, Anakin, Ambrose, and Sage, who lovingly referred to her as “May May.” She also leaves behind many cherished memories and a legacy of love that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Marilyn will be remembered as a friendly, loving, and selfless woman whose presence brought comfort and joy to her family and friends. Her life was a testament to kindness, loyalty, and quiet strength. Those who were blessed to know her will remember her smile, her gentle heart, and the way she made others feel valued and loved.

A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.