Ethel “Marie” Warden Winfree, 79, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, under hospice care at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Farragut, Tennessee.
Born on November 4, 1946, in Beckley, West Virginia, Marie was the daughter of Paul William Warden and Evelyn Vera Henson Warden. She graduated from Fort Myers High School in 1964, and devoted her life to taking care of others.
Marie was happiest surrounded by God’s creation on her beloved Seabo Valley Farm in Lancaster, Tennessee with her beloved “critters”. Over the years, she opened both her home and her heart to people and animals alike, loving each as her own. She had made it her mission in life to take care of and make others feel safe, valued, and loved.
Due to her faith in Christ as her provider, Marie was happy and care-free, often quoting Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Marie Palumbo DeNardo (Joel); granddaughters, Maddy Moyers and Mackenzie Moyers Gallentine (Colin); sister-in-law, Kaylene Warden; nieces and nephews, as well as countless “chosen” sons and daughters who lovingly knew her as “Mom Marie.”
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mario Anthony Palumbo (5/28/1974-3/07/2007); her husband, O.W. Winfree; her parents, Paul and Evelyn Warden; her siblings, Janet Sue Butler, Richard “Dick” Warden, Myrtle “Louise” Hill, and Paul William “Bill” Warden.
The family and friends held services on on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Bass Funeral Home in Gordonsville, Tennessee with Bro Kerry Dugan officiating, Interment will followed in the Gordonsville Cemetery.
Her family rejoices that the hope Marie so faithfully shared throughout her life has now become her eternal reality in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
