Marilyn "Aunt Marilyn" Pledger of Poteau, Oklahoma was born July 20, 1947 in Poteau, Oklahoma to O.W. and Dovie (Bowles) Pledger and passed away surrounded by family on July 7, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 77.

She is survived by:

One sister:

Ann Kirksey and husband Bob of Heavener, Oklahoma

Two nieces:

Shelly Perdue and husband Ralph of Heavener, Oklahoma

Edena Gains of Reading, Pennsylvania

Two nephews:

John Gregory of Heavener, Oklahoma

Jim Gregory and wife Cathy of Heavener, Oklahoma

Five great nieces:

Lauren Thornburg and husband Justin of Heavener, Oklahoma

Lindsey Ray and husband Jason of Stillwater, Oklahoma

Lexi Sullivan and husband Brice of Heavener, Oklahoma

Kaylessa Kirksey of Tulsa, Oklahoma

Journey Smallen and husband Dillion of Heavener, Oklahoma

Three great nephews:

Guy Gregory and wife Kim

MJ Gregory and wife Kayla

Kirksey Perdue

Five great-great-nieces:

Kenslee Thornburg, Piper, PJ, and Presley Sullivan, and Layla Ray

Five great-great-nephews:

Carter Stringfellow, Jace and Justice Thornburg, Laken and Baker Gregory

Her extended family that were like brothers:

Roger Clubb

Haven White and wife Jo

Russ White and wife Vicki

Beaver White and wife Janet

Numerous other loved ones and a host of friends

She was preceded in death by her parents, O.W. and Dovie Pledger; five siblings; three nephews, Craig Kirksey, Rocky Steffe, and Dana Gregory.

Marilyn, a beloved longtime resident of the Heavener and Poteau area, passed away after dedicating over 37 years to her profession as a Professional Bondsman for the State of Oklahoma. She was the proud owner and operator of Marilyn's Bail Service and was deeply involved in her community. She was a 1965 graduate of Heavener High School. Marilyn was an active member of Heavener First Baptist Church, the Talihina Scenic Byways, the Leflore County Democratic Women, and the Oklahoma Bondsman Association. Her commitment to supporting local youth was evident through her enthusiastic participation in the Leflore County FFA & 4H Club Premium Sale and her support for the 633 Recovery Ranch. A passionate sports fan, Marilyn cheered for the OU Sooners, OSU Cowboys, Arkansas Razorbacks, OKC Thunder, and the USA Olympic Team. Marilyn cherished her time spent with family and friends, creating lasting memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and was known as "Aunt Marilyn" to all.

A Celebration of Marilyn's life will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Heavener First Baptist Church in Heavener, Oklahoma with Brother Sam Dyer and Pastor Brock Hardin officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home.