Marie was born and raised in Cumming. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from University of Georgia and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Georgia. She has lived in Roswell for more than 27 years. She was the president of the Horseshoe Bend Community Association and a member of the Fulton County Arts Council, the Roswell Planning Commission and the Roswell Arts Fund board of directors. She and her husband, Glen, have three children.

Marie owns a marketing communications business, MW Creative, M.E.W. & Associates, Inc., where she has worked for 26 years. She previously worked for Schmeisser Communications, Duffey Communications and Siemens Energy & Automation.

Marie Willsey is currently the Roswell city council member representing Post 4. She was first elected in 2017 during a special election and has served one term. She is a member of the Administration & Finance Committee.