Marilyn Louise Prescott Crittenden

Marilyn Louise Crittenden was born on November 28, 1933, in Banning, California to J.A. Martin Prescott and Jewel E. Nichols Prescott. Marilyn lived in several different states throughout her childhood, as Martin was forced to travel for work as a disabled WWII veteran. She was raised in El Paso, Texas and Little Rock, Arkansas, eventually settling in Lincoln, Arkansas. Marilyn attended Lincoln High School, graduating in the class of 1951. She was an active member of her student body, serving as a class officer. Marilyn continued to remain in touch with many of her classmates and was active in organizing class reunions for many decades. 

In 1953, Marilyn married the love of her life, Jack Leland Crittenden of Westville, Oklahoma. Jack and Marilyn were happily married for 70 years until his passing on February 9, 2024. Jack entered the U.S. Navy following their marriage and the two soon moved to Norfolk, Virginia. While stationed in Norfolk, Marilyn had their first child, Jack Edward Crittenden. Following Jack’s discharge, the family moved to Tahlequah, Oklahoma where they each received their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from Northeastern State University. While attending NSU, Marilyn had their second child, Pamela Jane Crittenden. After college, the family moved to Verona, Missouri for 5 years, where Marilyn taught 4th grade at Mt. Vernon and 5th grade at Verona, Missouri. 

In 1964, Jack and Marilyn moved the family back to Tahlequah. Marilyn taught at Lincoln, Arkansas for 1 year, before taking a job teaching at Skelly School in Chewey, Oklahoma. Two years later, Marilyn took a position at Tahlequah Public Schools where she taught History and English, specializing in Reading for most of her 28-year tenure. Marilyn was active in the Tahlequah Education Association and the Oklahoma Education Association for many years, serving as President at the local level and serving on the OEA Board of Directors from 1985 through 1987. After retirement, Marilyn spent her years managing the office Cherokee Pest Control. She remained active in the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association and the Cherokee County Retired Educators Association. Marilyn served as a delegate to the State OREA convention for a number of years, as well as District Director of Zone 15 of OREA, in charge of Cherokee, Adair, and Wagoner counties. 

Marilyn enjoyed spending her free time working in her flower beds at the home, which were kept among the most pristine and beautiful in the area for many years. She was an avid seamstress and loved the opportunity to sew for family or friends. She also loved to the opportunity to stop by an antique store or craft fair. 

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband Jack Crittenden, as well as parents J.A. Martin Prescott and Jewel Prescott. Marilyn is survived by her children Ed Crittenden of Tahlequah, OK, and Pam Nipper & husband Truman Nipper of Tahlequah, OK; her grandchildren Kenley Nipper and Tyler Nipper & fiancé Colby Morrow, as well as two great grandchildren, Jackson and Gracen Nipper. Marilyn also leaves behind sister-in-law Fleta Statema of Tahlequah, OK, nephews Chris Crittenden and wife Sherry, Kelley Crittenden, Ronie Statema, and niece Sherry Statema, as well as step- grandson Joshua Nipper and wife Jolene, and great nephews and nieces Jeremy Crittenden, Shelby Crittenden, Nick Crittenden, Connor Crittenden, Brett Statema, Kristy Statema, Chelsea Compton, as well as many cousins and dear friends. 

The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 7, 2024, at Hart Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Tahlequah City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 4:00PM until 6:00PM.