Marie Honey Caldwell, a community volunteer, the trip taker, a local gal everyone in town knew and loved, entered eternal life on Friday May 21, 2021.

Marie was born September 18, 1946 in Fayetteville, TN to Louise and Lonnie Honey. The first of five children, she was born premature and slept in a shoebox for the first few months of life. So, it’s no surprise that she developed a passion for shoes that lead to a fashionable collection and a shortage of closet space.

Marie spent the days of her youth reading books under shade trees and helping to care for her siblings. She was a helper, always, and will be remembered as such. Marie was a 1965 graduate of Central High School where she developed friendships that lasted throughout her life. One day in her early 20’s, a quick spin around the Dairy Queen led Marie to her future husband. In fact, Dennis flung himself in front of a 1965 Mustang forcing Marie and her friend, Helen to stop just so he could meet her. They were married in January of 1969 and later had two children, Kim (Vaughn), their oldest, and nine years later Alison (Wright). Marie often remarked they didn’t get it right the first time with Kim and needed to try again.

Marie was deeply involved in the community of Lincoln County throughout her life. She worked at the Exchange, FPU, WEKR radio and directed Main Street which helped to create the beloved event, The Host of Christmas Past, which illuminated the square with warmth and life. She was also president of the Rotary club, Museum board member, a member of the volunteer fire department and a Girl Scout troop leader. She loved Fayetteville and always had a special place in her heart for members of the community. She enjoyed the people, along with the sights and sounds of her hometown and thought Kens had the best slawburger. As her family, we have felt the sincere love and support of her community during her brief illness and feel the same sense of love for Fayetteville in our own hearts.

Later in life, Marie found herself once again reading books under shade trees as grandchildren squirted each other with water guns and tiny voices squealed with delight. Her seven grandchildren loved their “Bebe” and will miss watching her swat flies with a tennis racket on her front porch as they chatted about life together.

She is survived by her mother, Louise Honey, her husband, Dennis, her children Kim (Daniel) Vaughn and Alison (Jeff) Wright, grandchildren Matthew, Colton, Clay, Luke and Zadie Vaughn, Mattie and Virginia (Gigi) Wright; her Sisters Barbara Sue Anderson (Ricky) and Betty Honey (Mark) and one brother, Donnie Honey. Her furry companion, Andy will also miss her. She is also grieved by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, along with countless loving friends who, to Marie. were family. She is preceded in death by her father, Lonnie and brother, David Honey.

The family invites you to celebrate Marie’s life Monday, May 24, 2021 at the Lincoln County Museum from 5:30-7:30 followed by a balloon release by Central High School Class of 1965.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lincoln County Museum, (P.O. Box 54, Fayetteville, TN 37334) a place she dearly loved.