Marilyn Lloyd / Contributed photoThe New York Times headline on Sept. 21, 2018, proclaimed, "Marilyn Lloyd, 89, Tennessee Trailblazer in Congress, Dies," followed by a tribute to her legacy as "a conservative Democrat who in 1974 became the first woman from Tennessee to be elected to a full term in Congress." During March, designated as Women's History Month, it is fitting to introduce the congresswoman to younger citizens and voters who may not know her extraordinary story.
Marilyn Laird Lloyd, born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1929, came to the U.S. House of Representatives after her husband, Mort, a popular WDEF-TV anchor, was killed in an airplane crash shortly after winning the Democratic Party's congressional primary race. The Democratic Party chose his widow, a successful businesswoman, to replace him on the 1974 ballot and, in the aftermath of Watergate, Marilyn Lloyd defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Lamar Baker in the fall general election. In less than a year, the congresswoman was earning the respect of political watchers from across the state.
On Sept. 7, 1975, the Nashville Tennessean carried a story noting: "Political leaders in East Tennessee have been amazed in the past few months by the astute political work of 3rd District Congresswoman Marilyn Lloyd of Chattanooga." After recounting the tragic circumstances which propelled her into the political race, the writer offered a prediction that while "most expected Mrs. Lloyd to serve one term before Republicans regained the seat she appears to be a good bet for re-election," noting that "Baker may run again but many Chattanooga Republicans don't think he can win." Marilyn Lloyd went on to serve the citizens of the 3rd Congressional District for 10 terms, retiring in 1994, then endorsed her Republican successor, Zach Wamp, in his first re-election bid in 1996.
During her 20 years in the U. S. House of Representatives, Lloyd defied political labeling. Considered by most political observers to be either a moderate or conservative Democrat, she diligently researched proposed legislation and engaged local business and civic leaders in conversation, encouraging input about the impact bills might have on the economic well-being of her constituents.
Since her district included Oak Ridge and the often secret but critically important projects originating from that scientific research and design community, she was appointed to the House Committee for Science, Space and Technology upon election and served as a strong voice on the committee for her entire congressional career. Her leadership skills led to her 1981 appointment as chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Energy Research and Development, a chair she held until retirement, by which time she had become the second-ranking Democrat on the full committee. Her voting record showed her willingness to break with her party. She often remarked, when questioned, that she had been elected to Congress to represent the citizens of her district and their interests, which might at times not be the stated position of her political party.
Marilyn Lloyd served on the Committee on Public Works (1975-1987) and the powerful House Armed Services Committee and the Subcommittee on Military Acquisitions (1983-1995). Members of the committee were charged, along with Senate counterparts, with jurisdiction over defense policy, ongoing military operations and the organization and reform of the Departments of Defense and Energy. She also served on the relatively new House Select Committee on Aging, overseeing research and legislation related to issues affecting older Americans, including Alzheimer's, nursing home reform, increased home health care and elder abuse.
In October 1993, Congresswoman Lloyd announced her retirement, citing that it was time to "enjoy family, friends and community." She reminded reporters that she had only one goal during her time in Congress: "to work for the good of Tennesseans with the energy and honesty that all my constituents deserve." Newspapers across the region agreed. The Daily News-Journal in Murfreesboro reported: "Congresswoman Marilyn Lloyd is a fine lady who is respected by political friends and foes alike, having conducted herself with integrity, honor and unfailing good humor ." The editorial continued with the observation that the congresswoman "set out in a most conscientious manner to do her duty. She was diligent in attending congressional sessions and regular in her weekend travel home to visit her constituents ."
In 1999, the congresswoman was honored with the Marilyn Lloyd Environmental and Life Sciences Research Complex at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a tribute to her tireless advocacy. Tennessee trailblazer Marilyn Lloyd, 89, died at her home in Chattanooga in 2018.
Linda Moss Mines, the Chattanooga and Hamilton County historian, is regent, Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR.