Dixie Durham

Dixie “Marilyn” Richards Durham, 89, of Madisonville, KY passed away Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville, surrounded by her family.
She was born on May 20, 1937, in Madisonville, KY to the late Zach “Logan” Richards and the late Mary Bell Utley Richards. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husbands, Larry Douglas Durham and Duane Kington; her grandson, Reese Goins; her sister, Jean Richards Sydner; and her beloved dachshund, Lena.
Marilyn worked as a teacher, serving the Dade County, FL school district and later on in Boone County, KY. She graduated from Madisonville Highschool as well as the University of Kentucky where she earned her master’s degree. She was a member of First Christian Church where she was active in the CW Christian Women’s Fellowship. She was a world traveler and was proud to have played golf in every state, multiple countries, and six continents. She was an avid reader, loved watching sunsets from the porch of her cabin, and adored her hummingbirds. She loved her hobbies, but her true passion was her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she often spoke of them to anyone who would listen.
She is survived by her three sons, Glenn (Pam) Goins of Dawson Springs, KY, Brent (Cindy) Goins of Hollywood, FL, and Jess (Tania) Goins of Davie, FL.; her sister- cousin, Cindy Richards Wright of Dalton, KY; several nieces and nephews; six grandchildren, Brent Goins, Brittany Gardener, Jess Goins, Garrett Goins, Griffin Goins and Yuri Goins; and six great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home – Madisonville Chapel with Rev. Dr. Bill Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, and from 9:00 A.M. until the service time Wednesday at the funeral home.