Betty Marilyn Evans Elliott Kinman, 94, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, compassion, service, and unwavering love for her family and community.
Born on March 28, 1932, Marilyn graduated from Bernice High School in 1951 before pursuing her lifelong calling in nursing. She earned her nursing degree from Northwestern University School of Nursing in 1954 and devoted more than five decades to caring for others. Nursing was not simply her profession—it was her God-given calling.
Throughout her distinguished career, Marilyn served in numerous areas of nursing, including the nursery, medical-surgical floors, and surgery and recovery. Following her retirement from Lincoln General Hospital, she continued to share her knowledge and passion by teaching student nurses at Delta Community College. She later served as Director of Nursing at Alpine Nursing Home, where she continued to influence the lives of both patients and fellow caregivers.
Marilyn’s heart for helping others extended far beyond the hospital. She was the founder of the Ruston Alliance for the Mentally Ill and became a dedicated advocate for the Alliance of the Mentally Ill at the local, state, and national levels. She also served as President of the District Nursing Association, providing leadership and encouragement to countless nursing professionals.
Above all, Marilyn was devoted to her family. She poured her life into raising her children, teaching them by both word and example to care for others with kindness, generosity, and compassion. Her home was always a place of love, encouragement, and service.
A faithful and devoted Southern Baptist, Marilyn loved the Lord with all her heart. She faithfully taught Sunday School, served her church in many capacities throughout the years, and was known for warmly welcoming newcomers with a genuine smile and loving spirit. Her faith was the foundation of her life and guided every act of service she performed.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey Evans and Mary Creel Evans; her brothers, Ronnie Evans, Donald Evans, and Joey Evans; her sisters, Doris Evans Winfrey, LaVerne Evans Hunt, and Glenda Evans Middleton; her beloved son, Steven Earl Elliott; her sons-in-law, Jerry Lillo and Carl Sproule; her granddaughter, Amber Dettenheim Young; and her grandson, Michael Elliott.
She is lovingly survived by her children: Robert D. Elliott (Kim); Cindy Elliott Lillo; Melinda Elliott Sproule; Melissa Elliott; and her daughter-in-law, Tammy Elliott Ouber. She is also survived by her brothers, Jimmy Evans (Jan), Roddie Lee Evans (Trisha), and Eddie Paul Evans; and her sisters, Gladys Jean Evans Caldwell (Bond), and Debbie Evans. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, and many whose lives were forever touched by her compassion and care.
Marilyn will be remembered as a woman of extraordinary faith, remarkable strength, and boundless love. Whether caring for a newborn, comforting a patient, advocating for those living with mental illness, teaching future nurses, or nurturing her family, she lived a life dedicated to serving God by serving others.
Her legacy of faith, kindness, and selfless service will continue through the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in knowing she is now at home with her Lord and Savior, reunited with those who have gone before her.
A memorial service to celebrate Marilyn’s life will be held at a later date under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home. The family will announce the service details when arrangements have been finalized.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
