In Okmulgee, Marcus Jeffrey is known as a man who wears many hats. An Okmulgee native, Marcus serves as the City Councilman for Ward 4 and as Pastor of Eastside Baptist Church, while also working with the Muscogee Creek Nation as a family advocate. Jeffrey’s deep-rooted commitment to his community and his tireless spirit of service are wellknown. In this interview, he opens up about his life, what inspires him to serve, and the upcoming Ward 4 forum, where residents will have a unique opportunity to connect with city leaders.
— A Lifelong Okmulgee Resident with a Heart for Service “I’ve been in Okmulgee since 1962,” Jeffrey begins. “My parents moved here from Tulsa when I was an infant, so this place is basically all I know.” Jeffrey’s love for his hometown is evident in everything he does, from his pastoral role to his work in city government.
Reflecting on his motivation to serve, he says, “I care about people. I care about the town in which I live, and I care about the quality of life here in Okmulgee. I can’t be selfish and just wrap myself up in my own world.” As both a Christian and a community leader, Jeffrey sees his service as part of a higher calling. “We’re called to be concerned about our neighbors,” he explains, referring to the story of the Good Samaritan. “Jesus gives us an example of that. It’s about stepping up and being there for the people around you.”
— From School Board to City Council: The Journey of a Community Leader Jeffrey’s journey to city council began years ago when he was encouraged to run for the school board. “Someone asked me if I’d consider it, and that’s where it all started,” he recalls. “I served on the school board for a number of years, and I was on the board when we hired our first Black superintendent.” His experience there deepened his love for public service, and despite the challenges, he found fulfillment in helping his community navigate both opportunities and struggles.
“I enjoy doing this, even with the rhetoric and the complaints that sometimes come with the territory,” he says. “Whether it’s serving as a pastor or as a councilman, I love seeing people transition from one part of life to another, especially when it’s about growth and positive change. It’s watching young people grow spiritually, watching them find purpose – that’s what I’m here for.”
— The Ward 4 Forum: A Chance for Dialogue One of Jeffrey’s recent initiatives as councilman is organizing a forum for residents of Ward 4, scheduled for Nov. 12, from 6-7 p.m. at Calvary Church on 13th Street. “The forum is for my constituents,” he says, stressing the importance of having a space where people can get direct answers to their questions. “I want to be there for them. They went out and voted for me, and I want to serve them. They should know that I care, and that I’m here to listen.”
Jeffrey is quick to clarify that the forum isn’t intended as a space for complaints. “This is not a complaining session,” he explains. “This is a time for Ward 4 to come and ask questions. They can meet the city manager, the fire chief, the police chief – all these leaders who they might not have a chance to see regularly. A lot of people work late and can’t make it to the city council meetings, so I wanted to bring this meeting to them.”
The idea of meeting residents where they are, both physically and figuratively, is central to Jeffrey’s approach. “Most people just want to know that you care,” he says. “It’s not even always about having an answer. People want to feel that their representative is listening, that they’re not just in it for themselves.”
The forum will be at Calvary Church, a familiar spot for Ward 4 voters. “We’re hosting it at the precinct where Ward 4 folks usually go to vote. That way, they already know the place,” Jeffrey explains. Residents will have the chance to ask questions about various city issues, such as the cross-deputization agreement or the recent contract with American Waste Management. Jeffrey hopes this forum will be a new way to keep residents informed without relying on social media. “Too often, people turn to Facebook for answers,” he notes. “This forum is a way to give them information directly.”
— A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
Beyond his public service roles, Jeffrey’s heart for people extends into his personal life. He spends time each week counseling young men at a halfway house, pouring into lives that need guidance and hope. “Every Thursday, I go up there and talk to these young men. It’s been a rewarding experience,” he shares. “I don’t know them, and they don’t know me, but we’re able to learn from each other. I just love helping people who may have lost their way find a path forward.”
Jeffrey also speaks passionately about his family, particularly his grandchildren. “I love spending time with my grandkids. The other day, I picked up two of them, took them to Dairy Queen, and we sat there for a couple of hours just talking. That’s precious time,” he says with a smile. His wife often reminds him not to spread himself too thin, but for Jeffrey, balancing family and service is part of who he is.
— A Vision for Unity and Progress
When asked what message he has for the people of Okmulgee, Jeffrey doesn’t hesitate: “Care about your community. Stop running down the place where you live. If we can’t stand together and solve our problems as one, what’s going to happen to our community? We’re going to fall together if we can’t rise together.”
Jeffrey believes that Okmulgee’s strength lies in its unity, urging residents to put aside political or social differences for the good of the town. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent. At the end of the day, we’re all Okmulgee citizens. Let’s collaborate, build relationships, and help each other. It doesn’t matter what color you are, what church you go to, or your economic status. If you live here, we’re in this together.”
For Jeffrey, this message is especially important because of the example it sets for the next generation. “Our children are our most precious resource. If we lose them because of our own foolishness, shame on us.”
— Future Plans and the Power of Faith
Looking ahead, Jeffrey is involved in planning a Juneteenth celebration for Okmulgee next summer. “We’re still in the early stages, but we want to bring something special to downtown Okmulgee. It’s a way to celebrate our heritage and bring people together,” he says. For those interested in finding spiritual encouragement, Jeffrey co-hosts a radio ministry called Power Praise, airing every Sunday morning from 8-9:30 a.m. “It’s a time for gospel music and a weekly message. We’re trying to encourage people and lift them up. It’s all about reaching out, offering hope, and letting people know they’re not alone.”
Through his work as a pastor, councilman, advocate, and family man, Marcus Jeffrey is a pillar of dedication in Okmulgee. His love for the community and his desire to serve are clear in every word and every action. As he looks to the future, Jeffrey remains focused on making Okmulgee a stronger, more united place for everyone who calls it home.
