Marilyn worked as an RN at the Nevada State Hospital for over ten years, she then went on to help establish the nursing program at Ft. Scott Community College in 1973. She then finished her career, by retiring, as a Nursing Instructor at Kansas City Kansas Community College in 1995.
In addition to being members of the Moundville Methodist Church, Marilyn was a Nevada O.E.S. member for 50 years and enjoyed the MOKAN Square Dancers.
Survivors include her three daughters, Sharon McGinnis and husband Paul, of Macomb, Oklahoma; daughter Linda K. Douglas and husband Don of Nevada, Missouri, Nancy Wallace and husband David; five grandchildren, five great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. In addition, numerous nieces, and nephews. In addition to her husband Leon Thomas, she is preceded in death by her parents Roy and Clara Woody; her four brothers, Wilbur Woody, Lee Roy Woody, Robert Woody, and Eugene Woody.
Committal services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Welborn Cemetery in Moundville, MO.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to either the Vernon County Cancer Relief or Moundville Methodist Church, in care of Ferry Funeral Home.