Marilyn Williams Breese

Marilyn Williams Breese, 84, passed away Friday, September 25, 2026. She was born May 6, 1942 in Panama. Marilyn was a beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend who lived a life filled with family, adventure, creativity, and plenty of good stories.

Marilyn is survived by her five children: Stacey (Craig) of Kernersville, NC; Tim (Marie) of Brookfield, CT; Tom (Sue) of St. Johns, FL; Kenny (Izabelle) of Charleston, SC; and Robert (Heidi) of San Luis Obispo, CA. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Tyler (Abriana), Althea, Brody (Jesseka), Adam, Alyssa, Christian, Brady, Bode, and Cash. She is also survived by her sister, Pam Shultz. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Donald “Don” Breese, and her brother, Bill Whinnen.

Don was the love of Marilyn’s life, and they were married for 30 years. Together, they shared a love of travel and adventure, traveling extensively throughout the United States in their RV and attending a number of NASCAR races for several years. Their adventures also included an Alaskan cruise, an MG trip through England, and a flatbed train tour with their RV through Mexico. They created countless memories along the way that their family will treasure.

Marilyn enjoyed several chapters in her career, first as a teacher, then as a financial planner, and later as the owner of a bed and breakfast in Oak Ridge, North Carolina.

Marilyn was opinionated, a little stubborn, and never afraid to share what she thought. She loved a good story, was an avid reader who could go through several books in a week, and especially treasured having her family together. Some of her grandchildren enjoyed “Camp Grandma,” where they cooked, explored, and simply enjoyed time together.

She had a wonderful creative spirit and loved quilting and knitting. She especially enjoyed choosing fabrics and patterns and turning them into beautiful keepsakes for her family. She also loved a good boot scootin’ boogie, her beloved animals, and the countless little family stories that will continue to be told—like the raspberry whipped cream she made for Tom even though Tim was the one who loved it, and the time she and one of her sons repeatedly stole the same book from each other so neither had to wait to finish reading it.

Marilyn is survived by her beloved Taz and was preceded in death by Chase, Cody, Chewy, and Harvey, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Marilyn will be remembered for her strong personality, adventurous spirit, creativity, love of family, and her ability to turn ordinary moments into lasting memories. The things she created, the stories she told, the adventures she shared, and the memories she made with the people she loved will remain with her family always.

A celebration of Marilyn’s life is planned for spring 2027, with details to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Marilyn’s memory to the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem (AARF), reflecting her lifelong love of animals.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.