Mary Ann Hanson was born to Robert Dyer & Rosina Elizabeth (Rosie) Hanson on April 27, 1922. She grew up in the Deer Creek Community and lived there a large part of her life before moving to Edmond. She graduated from Deer Creek High School in 1940 and many of her classmates remained friends with her throughout the years. Upon graduation from high school she attended Central State College. In 1942 on a train going to California she met her future husband, Allie B. Jenkins, and they were married on April 27, 1944. Mary Ann was a devoted housewife and mother to Mary Ruth and Judith Ann. She was an active member of the Hopewell (Tepee) Baptist Church and then Edmond First Baptist Church.