Marlene Wilcoxson Gwaltney, age 74, passed away November 14, 2023, after a short illness. Daughter of Marlin and Mary Sue Wilcoxson of Walnut Ridge, she resided since 1974 in the Gorby Community of Calico Rock, Arkansas, on her much-loved Sassafras Hill Farms. Marlene was a graduate of Walnut Ridge High School, received a BA from the University of Arkansas, and a master’s in accounting from Lyon College. She was united in marriage to Rickey Wayne Gwaltney on January 6, 1974. She was employed by Hayes Brothers Flooring in Calico Rock and Bowman and Associates CPAs in Mountain Home. After retirement, she continued to work with her late husband, Rickey, on their Bermuda hay farm. After Rickey’s death in 2016, she continued producing hay for six years. She was an active member and Elder of the Calico Rock Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir.
Marlene was heavily involved in the quilting community. She was a member of the Hill ‘n Hollow Quilters Guild for many years where she served as Treasurer, Audit Committee Member, and Chair of the Country Store for several of the bi-annual quilt shows in Mountain Home. She made many beautiful and treasured quilts for her family over the years, along with custom baby quilts for her new great-nieces and nephews as they came along. In 2006, Marlene joined a small group through the guild called “The Bias Bunch”, and always looked forward to their quilting retreats held on the White River. She was famous for hosting her November monthly meeting and preparing a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. She gifted friends and family with homemade goodies from garden, including her famous Jalapeno Pepper Jelly. Marlene was much loved and will be sorely missed by many.
Marlene is survived by one sister, Jana Wilcoxson, of the Gorby Community; one brother, Carey Wilcoxson and wife JoAnn Wilcoxson, of Farmington; five nieces, Jessica Wilcoxson, Sarah Wilcoxson Knight, Shelley Wilcoxson Vanderbush, Amanda Warden Klipfel and Maggie Fulmer; two nephews, Chris Warden and Michael Fulmer, and many other cousins, relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held on November 27th at 1:00 pm at the Calico Rock Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with a reception immediately following the service.