Marilyn Sue Dunaway, a woman of fierce work ethic, passed away on April 15, 2026. Born on July 13, 1956, she was the daughter of the late Arvie Glenn Ferguson and Mary Rosetta Moore Ferguson. A pillar of strength for both her family and her community, Marilyn dedicated 14 years of service to the Sheriff’s Department, where she served with distinction as the Chief Jailer. In her later years, she brought her characteristic energy to the Selmer Country Club, where she worked part-time for five years. Known for her tireless work ethic, Marilyn’s greatest pride was providing for her family and ensuring her children understood the value of a job well done. On August 2, 1979, she was united in marriage to Troy Neal Dunaway.

While Marilyn was a dedicated professional, her family will perhaps remember her most for her "secret" winning streak. Born on Friday the 13th, she was teased her entire life by family members who joked she was born unlucky. Marilyn, however, had the last laugh. An avid fan of scratch-off lottery tickets, she defied the odds by winning several large sums and countless smaller ones throughout her life. The family fondly recalls her "secret trips" to collect her winnings—missions she carried out with a mischievous grin. She never kept the luck to herself; those winnings funded catching up on bills, boats, a memorable cruise vacation, and countless other ways to support those she loved. She truly turned what was meant to be an unlucky birthday into a lifetime of fortunate memories.

Marilyn was a beloved Mother, Nanny, sister, and cherished friend whose legacy of hard work and "lucky" spirit will be deeply missed. She is survived by her daughter, Tina Dunaway of Selmer, TN; her son, Tony Neal Dunaway (Kristen Joyner) of Finger, TN; and daughter, Judy Greer of Austin, TX. She also leaves behind her sister, Judy Bivens and husband Jerry of Selmer; brothers, Jimmy Ferguson of Selmer; Danny Ferguson and wife Cathy of Selmer; Tim Ferguson and wife Donna of Jackson, TN. Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren, Morgan and Landon Dunaway, and Sam, Emma, Gus, and Riley Louis. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Troy Neal Dunaway.