We are gathered here today to remember and celebrate Marilyn Jean Pinkerton, who peacefully stepped into her next great adventure on August 12, 2026, at the wonderful age of 87.
Marilyn’s story began on January 3, 1939, when she was born to Ragel and Nancy Swain in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Growing up, she eventually found her way to Dutch Mills, where she met her partner-in-crime and husband, Don Pinkerton. Together, they built a beautiful life, eventually settling in Tulsa. Marilyn was a sharp, dedicated worker, navigating various roles before building a long, successful career in the banking industry. But if you knew Marilyn, her real life’s work wasn't behind a bank desk—it was keeping everyone around her laughing.
Marilyn possessed a quick wit and a sense of humor that was second to none. She knew how to light up a room, crack the perfect joke, and ensure that no one around her took life too seriously.
More than anything in this world, Marilyn just wanted her favorite people around her, enjoying life together. She traveled the globe, sailed the open seas on countless cruises, and turned every single holiday into a major event. Christmas was her absolute favorite, and she made sure it felt magical.
If there was a gathering, you could count on two things: Marilyn would be there to make you laugh, and she would feed you with a home-cooked meal. In her quieter moments, she loved embroidery and collecting antique dishes. And, of course, we cannot talk about Marilyn without mentioning her greatest passion of all: buying shoes. To say she loved shoes is an understatement—she had a collection that could rival a major department store, and she wore them with style and a smile.
Marilyn has gone on to reunite with those who went before her: her beloved husband, Don; her parents, Ragel and Nancy; her son, Randy; her daughter-in-law, Brenda; and her brothers, C.J. and Bobby. We can only imagine the jokes being told and the holiday party they are having right now.
Her legacy of laughter, generosity, and excellent footwear lives on in those she left behind. She is survived by her son, Gary Pinkerton, and his wife Barbara of Broken Arrow, OK; her grandchildren, Craig Pinkerton and his wife Christina of Broken Arrow, OK, and Cara Brown and her husband Sam of Broken Arrow, OK. She is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren: Bryant, Amelya, Denver, Jack, David, Joshua, Brynlea, and Mia.
Marilyn taught us to travel often, laugh loudly, love family, and buy shoes, shoes, and more shoes!! She will be deeply missed, but every time we share a good laugh, spend time with family, or just live daily life, we will think of her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Pinkerton; her parents, Ragel and Nancy (Parks) Swain; her siblings, C.J. and Bobby Swain; and her son, Randall Craig Pinkerton, and his wife, Brenda Faye Pinkerton.
She is survived by her son, Gary Don Pinkerton, and his wife, Barbara; her grandchildren, Craig Pinkerton, Cara Brown, and Christina Pinkerton; and her great-grandchildren, Bryant Taylor, Amelya Taylor, Denver Pinkerton, Jack Pinkerton, David Pinkerton, Joshua Pinkerton, Brynlea Brown, and Mia Brown.