Marilyn was born at Jay Creek but grew up in Hermansburg where her father worked for the Finke River Mission as an engineer. She remembers watching Albert Namatjira and Clifford Possum painting and being inspired by them. They gave her permission to paint the dream time stories and she credits Namatjira with giving her deep insights into the use of colour. Clifford encouraged Marilyn to develop her skills with her dot painting. As a teenager she was a vocalist with the Aranda band in Hermansburg. She is noted for her beadwork and leatherwork as well as her painting. She has exhibited in numerous Desert Mob Exhibitions as well as the Advocate Central Australian Art Award and is represented in numerous private collections.
