Marilyn Joyce (Wilcox) Salsman, 86, of Lexington, KY, died peacefully on Monday, October 23, 2023. She was born on January 23, 1937, the daughter of George Wilcox, a World War II US Navy veteran, and Ruby Close Wilcox, a spunky and resourceful domestic engineer.

Marilyn was known for her unfailing kindness, interpersonal warmth, and her abiding faith. She will be greatly missed by her cherished family and friends.

Marilyn was the elder of their two children and was curious, gregarious, and affable as a youth. She attended Buffalo High School in Buffalo, KY, and graduated in 1955 before working at the Larue County ASCS office (part of the Agricultural Department) in Hodgenville, KY.

She married her high school sweetheart, Billy Joe Salsman in 1962 during a private ceremony in Annapolis, MD. They built their lives together in Hodgenville, KY, while Billy was employed as a park ranger at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. During that time, they had three sons together: Steven, David, and John Mark. She was a devoted wife and mother and was active in her local church community, finding a resolute meaning and purpose through her Christian faith as well as an outlet for her charitable interests and her passion for supporting others through prayer. After her sons grew older and the family moved to Campbellsville, KY, she began serving as a Teacher’s Aide for the Campbellsville Independent School District. The importance of education was a core value to her and she volunteered as a math and reading tutor to support students who needed additional assistance.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Salsman, and a brother, Don Wilcox.

SURVIVORS:

3 sons: Steven (Brenda) of Millersville, MD & their children: Josh (Aleah) of Hampton, VA, Rachel (David) of Redding, CA, and Caleb of Millersville, MD; David (Jenni) of Nicholasville, KY, & their 5 children; and John Mark (Stephanie) of Winston Salem, NC & their children: William & Elyse “EJ” of Winston Salem, NC

Sister-in-law: Penny Wilcox of Asheville, NC

Several other cousins, aunts, uncles, & friends

Celebration of Life Service: Monday, October 30, 2023 at 11:00amET at the First Methodist Church of Campbellsville, KY 

Visitation: Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 2:00pm-5:00pmET at Parrott & Ramsey Funeral Home in Campbellsville, KY

In lieu of flowers, donations to the BibleProject, Kentucky CancerLink, or the National Parks Conservation Association in her memory would be appreciated.