Marilyn Ann Thomas-Taylor was born March 30, 1939, in Laclade, Missouri. The second eldest daughter of nine children, Marilyn held a unique perch in the family dynamic- she was a precocious, strong-willed child who often had to look after her younger sisters, while finding her own voice and overcoming poverty.  In many ways, Marilyn was ahead of her time- Marilyn was actually a member of the Silent Generation- at a time when Black women were not expected to dream or live on their own terms, but Marilyn was determined to do just that- while she was the consummate fashionista, she briefly lived in Washington DC to chase her dreams and fall in love but eventually returned to Iowa to help take care of her mother. Marilyn had a flair as a fashion plate who experimented with different trends over many decades, fearless and unafraid to give her opinion on the issues of the day. Marilyn's most endearing qualities were her smile and infectious laugh. She worked as a clerk typist for Auto Owner's Insurance- she was considered an elite typist who clocked in at an excess of 60 words per minute- just a few years before computers became mainstream.  She married Carl Taylor Jr. in 1994 and settled into an early retirement shortly after. Marilyn enjoyed cooking, decorating her patio, listening to gospel and R & B music, and of course, fashion.  She was a devoted mother to her two sons and overcame many of the challenges of being a single mom.  Marilyn had given her life to Christ as a young adult, and while her Christian walk was not without difficulties, Marilyn never wavered in her faith. Marilyn is survived by her  sister, Sharon Carter, sons Orlando Jeter, Sean Castine, Caleb Thomas, and step-daughter Patricia Welch,  grandsons Sean Lee Castine, Christopher Thomas, Joshua Thomas, a great-grandson, Sean Castine,  two granddaughters, Lejla and Fatima Castine, and a host of nieces, nephews, and her Amazing Care Givers Cassie Overton, Rhasida Russell, and Imerde, Ndayisenga who helped take care of her as she valiantly fought dementia until she went to her eternal home to be with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit in heaven. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Virginia Jeter, and siblings, Arabella, Marcia, Carl Jr, Constance, George Grant, Vernon, and Teresa, and her lifelong partner, Michael Welch. She left this earthly life and was welcomed to her heavenly father on January 9, 2026, at the tender age of 86.  While we will miss Marilyn, we take solace.  There is hope in our grief because Jesus carries us. Memorial contributions may be made out to her son, Caleb Thomas, and mailed to Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care, or any love donations may be paid through: Cash app $TheoneandonlyCT1 Venmo @cthom1 Zelle ccj7489@yahoo.com