January 1, 1932 - December 16, 2025
Marilyn J. Kincannon, age 93, died suddenly on December 16, 2025, after a fall from the top of Mt. Everest while setting the record for the oldest person to ever reach the summit. Upon reaching the summit, she jumped up and down in celebration, slipped on a rock, and plunged to her death.
At least that’s how she envisioned it when she drafted her own obituary years ago. In actuality she died when her body failed her after a long life. Her wit was with her to the end.
Marilyn was born in Enid, OK, on Jan 1, 1932, the third child of Hugh A. and Cyral Wray Jolley. She was the 1932 New Year's Baby for Enid. She attended Enid schools, graduating with the Enid High School Class of 1950, followed by one year at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.
From 1951 to 1972 she was married to Archie A. Simmons, and they became the parents of Archie Douglas, Randal Wray, and Russell Hugh Simmons. During the early years of the marriage she was active in Jaycee Jaynes, Junior Welfare League, Child Study Club, and several Bridge Clubs. She participated in the children's school activities, serving as a Den Mother and Home Room Mother. She taught knitting at Sears and won ribbons for her craft at the county fair. In 1967 she started working full time, first at the Vance AFB Officers' Club, followed by the local General Mills office. From 1977 to 1984 she worked at the Enid Family Medicine Clinic, a branch of the Univ of OK Medical School. In 1984 she became the office manager for Medical Arts Family Practice, retiring from there in 1988.
On July 17, 1988, she married a former classmate at EHS, the delightful D’Ellis Kincannon who died May 5, 2009. They enjoyed traveling to indulge D’s hobby of bird watching, which he shared with the entire family over the years. However, she never actively pursued mountain climbing.
Marilyn was an active member of First Baptist Church for many years, moving her membership to Emmanuel Baptist in 1980. In 1992 she was confirmed at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Enid. She was a member of the choir at all three churches and served on the vestry at St. Matthew's. She served on the board of the Enid Cemetery for a time and worked with other local charities and organizations.
She was preceded in death by her husband D’Ellis, parents Hugh and Cyral Jolley, siblings Wray Jolley and Margaret (Jolley) Henry, stepson D’Ellis Kincannon III, daughters-in-law Wanda (Watkins) Simmons and Brenda (Patton) Simmons, granddaughter Loretta (Simmons) Jones, ex-husband Archie Simmons, and most of her friends and acquaintances.
She is survived by her sons Doug Simmons and wife Christine of Marianna FL, Randy Simmons and wife Corla of Ocean Springs MS, and Rusty Simmons and wife Lori Waken of Enid; grandchildren Lisa Armstrong, Elizabeth Frye, Ryan Simmons, Christopher Simmons, and Rachel Simmons; great-grandchildren Jodi Bennett, Erin (Bennett) Dunn, Alana and Elliot Armstrong, and William and Alexander Frye; and great-great-grandchild Carter Dunn. Also stepchildren Joseph Kincannon and wife Holly of Savannah GA, and Suzannah (Kincannon) Douglas and husband Dave of Croton-on-Hudson NY; and step-grandchildren Lily Kincannon and Drummond Dominguez-Kincannon, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
Per Marilyn’s wishes, she was cremated with her ashes destined to lay next to those of husband D’Ellis in their columbarium niche at St. Matthew’s. A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25,2026, when her extended family can gather. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Loaves and Fishes of Enid or your favorite charity, or just enjoy the songs of the birds.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
