On January 25, 1952, a little girl was born into the union of Mrs. Maybelle and James H. Ballard Sr. at St. Mary's Infirmary Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She was given the name "Marilyn" but was nicknamed "Tee" because she was born a preemie and had to be held on a bed pillow! That name stuck with her throughout her life! Marilyn was the second oldest out of 8 siblings. Marilyn confessed a hope in Christ at the age of 10 and joined St. Matthews M.B. under the pastorage of the late Reverend A.L. Jackson.

Years later, she was united at St. Matthews M.B. Church in holy matrimony to James Truitt but later ended in divorce.

Her formal education was received in the E. St. Louis School District #189. She had always had health issues, but never let that stop her from doing anything! Marilyn was a very playful lady. She loved to cook, joke around and enjoy her music. She never forgot to read and study the Bible daily! She wrote scriptures daily and had multiple notebooks. She would open her doors up to anyone and would give you her last.

She enjoyed the company of her 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Marilyn health started to decline, causing her to become a homebody.

On February 25, 2022, she answered the Master's call, joining her parents, her daughter Shantella Truitt, her brother Quinton "Barry" Lawrence, a nephew Anthony Ballard, aunt Isabelle Prowl and her lifetime partner James "Billie" Footes. To cherish out Mother, Grannie, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend, Marilyn's memories are with her children, Minister Sheila and (Minister Ronzell) Williams of Madison, IL; Marcha Truitt of Shiloh, IL, and her only son Kenric (Janita) Truitt of Granite City, IL; siblings Janice Turner of Granite City, IL, James H. Ballard Jr. of Arkansas, Evangelist Sharon (Darrell) Robinson of Madison, IL, Karen (Larry) Sanders of Madison, IL, Wyommie (Kevin) Walker of St. Louis, MO, and Virgie (David) Watson of Belleville, IL, 17 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.