Marilyn Kay McDowell, 75, of Deltona, Florida, passed away peacefully December 2, 2025 at the Circle Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas surrounded by her family.  She was born on February 11th, 1950, in Fairbury, Illinois to Bruce V. and Louise M. Lee

She was a woman of faith who always put her family first in all things.  She was loving and forgiving and would help anyone at any time with anything.  Her husband Gerry was the love of her life, and they did everything together as a team honoring one another in their marriage vows from the day they were wed on September 4, 1971. Marilyn loved attending car shows with Gerry and their '66 Mustang, they named "Ladine."  Marilyn was well known for her love of crafting and painting.  She made several beautiful wreaths, photo albums, and other creative creations for people, mostly, just because. Besides crafting, Marilyn made her mark in her son's love of racing stock cars and her daughter's passion of softball. Her love and support for them was felt everywhere she went. She never met a stranger.  Her grandchildren also meant the world to her.  She never missed any event of any of her grandchildren if it could be helped.  She gave them the same love and attention as she did with her own children and they along with us will miss her very presence because of her commitment to them all. To say that she was a huge Dale Earnhardt fan would be an understatement and if she ever got to pick out the music it would be anything by Barry Manilow.  Holidays were also a very special time for her as it was her most creative time to show her love by her many homemade gifts that we will all miss greatly.  Her life was full, and she used up every minute. Only God knows the end of our story and although hers ended with something, as she said, she would not wish on anyone, God came through a thousand times in a million different ways in making the most of our every moment with her.  She will be missed very much by so many.  We are certain her life goal was to please God in being a very loving and faithful woman.  You did so well Marilyn and we are so very proud of the fight you fought just to be with us one more day.

She was proceeded in death by siblings, Caroll Hernandez, Brucetta Lee, and one granddaughter, Julian.

Marilyn is survived by Gerald Francis McDowell; two children, Tim McDowell and wife, Amy, of Rogers, Arkansas, and LeeAnne Hockenberry and husband, Kyle, of Deland, Florida; grandchildren, Alexis Kelley, Addison McDowell, Kylee Hockenberry, and Chase Hockenberry.

A memorial service will be Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge, Arkansas with Pastor Max Whitfield officiating.    A memorial service will be held at a later date in Florida.