Marie Wilson Cairnes

March 18, 1932 - April 28, 2019
Marie Wilson Cairnes

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Marie Wilson Cairnes, age 87, of Hendersonville went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 28, 2019 after a period of declining health.

Affectionately known to many as Aunt Ree, she was loved by her family, church, and community, and she loved each of them in return.  She was blessed with the God-given nature of a caregiver, being known for her warm friendliness, easy conversations, and loving heart, all of which were evident to anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting her.

Born in Transylvania County to the late Dewey and Carrie Fowler Wilson, she lived in Hendersonville all her life.  She was the second oldest of nine children and the oldest daughter, who helped care for her three youngest siblings. 

She is survived by her children, Robert Wayne Cairnes of Hendersonville and Lynn Cairnes O’Brien of Ellicott City, MD, as well as her grandchildren, Jennifer Kailey O’Brien and Christopher Dylan O’Brien, also of Ellicott City. 

Survivors also include: one sister, Reba Wehunt of Hendersonville; one sister-in-law, Judyann (Heatherly) Wilson of Tuxedo; three nephews she helped raise—Todd McCrain of Green River and his wife Tonya, Brad Duncan of Hendersonville and his wife Melissa, Greg McCrain of Mount Pleasant, SC and his wife Karen—as well as their respective children; and a first cousin, Inez Anders Williams, who unselfishly helped care for Marie in her later years.   

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Cairnes, a granddaughter, Katlyn Maire O’Brien, and her disabled daughter Kimberly Lisa Cairnes.  Also preceding her in death were her four brothers—Owen, Harvey, Lewis and Bob Wilson—and three sisters—Virginia Edney, Carolyn McCrain and Brenda Wilson.

A charter member of Fair Haven Baptist Church, she also sang with The Wilson Sisters gospel group until 1973 when her then six-month-old daughter, Lisa, became disabled.  Marie devoted 28 years of her life to caring for Lisa in their home, making sure she was happy and knew that she was loved.  Marie was a woman of remarkable faith, who despite her many hardships, never complained or questioned God’s will.  She often reminded others that, “God don’t make no mistakes,” and, “Romans 8:28 is still in the Book.”  Her unwavering faith in God is her greatest legacy.

The family will receive friends at Shuler Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Fair Haven Baptist Church cemetery, with Pastor Travis Parker officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be in her honor to Four Seasons Compassion for Life, the Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program, or the Henderson County Rescue Squad.


Service

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Fair Haven Baptist Church Cemetery - Directions
27 Eisenhower Drive
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Burial

Wednesday, May 1, 2019
11:00 AM

Fair Haven Baptist Church Cemetery - Directions
27 Eisenhower Drive
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Visitation

Tuesday, April 30, 2019
6:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Shuler Funeral Home Chapel - Directions
125 Orr's Camp Rd.
Hendersonville, NC 28792

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  • April 29, 2019
    Dena Taylor Norman says:
    Marie spent many hours with me as teenager. She took the time to encourage me. She made me feel loved and accepted. Even some 40+ years later I think of her, and appreciate how she touched my life. I hope for peace and love to bolster her family during this time of acute loss.

  • April 29, 2019
    Lela and Roger says:
    We are so sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow.

  • April 30, 2019
    Sonya Corn says:
    One of the most precious people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. She was truly one of a kind. Love and prayers for her family.

  • April 30, 2019
    Victor Corn lit a candle:
    Lit since April 30, 2019 at 4:52:23 PM

  • May 01, 2019
    Lura Wyatt says:
    My condolences, love and prayers to the family. Marie was one of the most caring, loving and kind person I have ever known. She was definitely one of God's angels on earth and she will be greatly missed. Heaven has gained a new saint. Love to all and may your lives be blessed.