Marilyn “Aunt Marilyn” Pledger of Poteau was born July 20, 1947 in Poteau to O.W. and Dovie (Bowles) Pledger and passed away surrounded by family July 7, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 77.
A Celebration of Marilyn’s life is 2 p.m. Friday at the Heavener First Baptist Church with Brother Sam Dyer and Pastor Brock Hardin officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home.
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.
Surviving family members are one sister Ann Kirksey and husband Bob of Heavener; two nieces Shelly Perdue and husband Ralph of Heavener, and Edena Gains of Reading, Pennsylvania; two nephews John Gregory of Heavener, and Jim Gregory and wife Cathy of Heavener; five great nieces Lauren Thornburg and husband Justin of Heavener, Lindsey Ray and husband Jason of Stillwater, Lexi Sullivan and husband Brice of Heavener, Kaylessa Kirksey of Tulsa, Journey Smallen and husband Dillon of Heavener; three great nephews Guy Gregory and wife Kim, MJ Gregory and wife Kayla, and Kirksey Perdue; five great-great-nieces Kenslee Thornburg, Piper, PJ, and Presley Sullivan, and Layla Ray; five great-great-nephews Carter Stringfellow, Jace Thornburg, Justice Thornburg, Laken and Baker Gregory; extended family that were like brothers Roger Clubb, Haven White and wife Jo, Russ White and wife Vicki, and 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; and three nephews Craig Kirksey, Rocky Steffe and Dana Gregory.
To sign Marilyn’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
