Marilyn J. Russell, 88, of Providence passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at her home.  She was the daughter of the late Nevel and Nevaline (Lewis) McGuyer.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Barry "Bear" N. Russell, her son, David W. Russell, and granddaughter, Deon Prow.  She is survived by her daughter Barrie (Harold) Wilkerson of Providence and her son Steve (Leesa) Russell of Poole; her daughter in law,  Cheri Russell of Providence; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Marilyn, or Mama Marilyn, to those who knew and loved her, spent her life caring for others.  She was everybody's grandmother, and loved entertaining all the children that were lucky enough to come into her life.  She was an avid fan of sports and was a fixture at ballgames, cheering on all her of kids and grandkids and great grandkids at every kind of game you can imagine.  During college basketball season, you could always find her cheering on her beloved Kentucky Wildcats.  She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Services are at 11 am Wednesday at Melton Funeral Home with burial in Lakeview Cemetery in Providence.  Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Tuesday and after 9 am Wednesday.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anthony's Hospice or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.