Marie is an artist of many talents. She is always open to learning new artistic mediums. She can do most cultural crafts including basketry, beadwork, and finger-weaving as well as drawing, painting, and photography. She also enjoys crafts of all types. She graduated from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree and later attended for her Masters of Science degree in College Teaching . She currently works for Cherokee Nation . She has been with the Nation and Cherokee Housing Authority approximately 18 years in a variety of positions such as Housing Counselor, Mortgage Loan officer, Low Rent Site Manager, and her current position as a cultural specialist working in the Spider Gallery. She volunteers as the Coordinator of the Cherokee Holiday Art Show held each year during Labor Day weekend. Marie made sure her children developed a love of art and Cherokee culture. Her daughter is Feather Smith-Trevino, who is primarily known as a basket weaver and former Miss Cherokee and her son is Justin Smith who manages the John Ross Museum. She is also one of 11 brothers and sisters. Marie is of Cherokee /Choctaw descent