Marilyn Jefferson was born on July 29, 1933, to Henry Bill Ludlow and Susan Wallace Ludlow of Talihina, Oklahoma.
In 1953, she married Osam Jefferson in Bethel, Oklahoma. The couple moved to Los Angeles, California in 1956 and returned to McCurtain County the following year.
Marilyn is blessed with three children, Harold, Austin and Martha, who all make their homes in McCurtain County. Her family has grown to include beloved grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren who continue to bring joy to her life.
Marilyn is a devoted member of Kulli-Chito Presbyterian Church in Bethel, Oklahoma, where she has faithfully served in several roles, including superintendent, church treasurer and other leadership positions.
In addition to her church involvement, Marilyn enjoys being a part of the Choctaw Nation seniors in Battiest. She served as the group’s treasurer for many years, contributing her time and care to the community she loves. As a member of the senior chair volleyball team, which won multiple times when the program first began.
In 2022, Marilyn was proudly nominated as outstanding female elder for District Two of the Bethell-Battiest Community Center in recognition of her dedication and contributions to her community.
Marilyn is proud to be part of the committee that helped create the revised Choctaw hymn songbook, a project close to her heart and heritage.