Marilyn Ann Jackson was born October 15, 1936 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Jakie C. Wright and Lucille I. Hickman. As a child, her house was filled with music and art. Marilyn studied piano from the age of 10; becoming proficient enough to play church organ on Sundays at church. Her propensity for academics also began during her early years, with an invitation to the National Honor Society.

Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Jack D. Jackson, in 1954 and together they moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma while Jack studied Architecture at OSU. Soon after, they started their family with the births of Mark Donald, Karl Wesley, and Leslie Ann. After a move to California, the family became six with the addition of Suzanne Lynette. As a young mother, Marilyn was the “cool mom” who balanced family life with her many personal interests, social engagements, and work outside of the home.

In 1964 the family made a move to Pullman, WA with Jack accepting a faculty position at Washington State University. Marilyn continued her academic growth at WSU, completing both a BA and MA in French Literature. During this time, she also began her professional librarian life in the Humanities Division of the Holland Library. Feeling the need to continue her library career, Marilyn enrolled at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia to obtain her Masters in Library Science. After completing her degree, she returned to WSU and rejoined the Humanities Division as the French area specialist. She enjoyed many family ski, camp and sailing trips during this time in their lives.

In 1979, with her children grown, and feeling the urge to set out on a new adventure, Marilyn and Jack moved to the San Juan Islands in Washington State to own Mackay Harbor Inn on Lopez Island, allowing Marilyn an opportunity to grow her culinary skills in the restaurant. But four years was enough adventure, and Marilyn decided to return to her profession as librarian. In 1985, Marilyn became the school librarian at the Orcas Island School where she worked for many years until her retirement. Ensuring that children, both in her employment and within her family, developed a love of reading was an important mission for Marilyn.

On Orcas, Marilyn was a member of the Orcas Island Library Board and active in many library activities. She also loved her time singing with the Orcas Island Choral Society. Along with her love of literature and voracious reading appetite, Marilyn had many varied interests including backpacking, sailing, art, traveling (walking through France being some of her favorite excursions), cooking, gardening, camping, and music.

After retirement, Marilyn and Jack again moved to the Palouse area and took residence in Moscow, ID to be near family. She enjoyed the proximity to great grandchildren, often spoiling them. As a PEO sister, she enjoyed her visits with Chapter O and strongly believed in their mission to support women’s advancement through education. In 2024, her health required a move to constant care at the Regency Pullman Assisted Living Community in Pullman, WA where she resided and was tenderly looked after until her death on September 8, 2024.

All who knew Marilyn found her to be an authentic, kind hearted, and good natured woman. To her family, she left her unwavering love and devotion ensuring that she is still a part of each of our lives and our love for each other. To her dear friends she leaves fond memories and affection. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, sister Shirley Wright, daughter Leslie Jackson, and granddaughter Alisha Jackson. She is survived by her husband Jack Jackson, sister Margaret Pasella, children Mark Jackson (Diane), Wes Jackson, and Suzanne Keyport (Ralph), three adult grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Marilyn will be buried at the Lopez Island Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.