Marian Joyas Posey

Marian Joyas Posey passed away on April 28, 2024, in Jerome, Idaho. She was born to Byron and Vada (Harer) Posey in Bend, Oregon, on June 17, 1929. Shortly thereafter, she moved with her family to the newly cleared farmland northeast of Jerome, Idaho, which was to become her childhood home.

Growing up in the Depression was a challenging time, and Marian was busy with farm chores and helping to raise her three siblings, Frank, Alan, and Anice. Always a top student, Marian excelled in both school and the community. Marian was active in 4-H and was sent to the national 4-H congress.

After graduating from Jerome High School, Marian's academic excellence earned her a scholarship to Reed College in Portland. After a year at Reed College, Marian transferred to Oregon State University in Corvallis. At Corvallis, she met James Anderson and they later married in Reno, Nevada, in 1949 and moved to San Francisco. In San Francisco, she ultimately earned a bachelor's degree in English at San Francisco State University in 1951. In San Francisco, Marian and James welcomed the birth of Craig and Louise. Marian went on to earn a master's degree in Child Development at Mills College in June of 1958.

Marian later moved to Sacramento where Mark was born. In Sacramento, Marian became a professor at Sacramento City College (SCC) and taught classes in Child Development and Family Studies. During this time Marian lobbied to help change laws for daycares and daycare providers in California. Marian ultimately retired from SCC in 1984 and moved back to Jerome.

For many 'retirement' is a time to slow down, but for Marian, this second half of her life was the beginning of a burst of activity and creativity that touched the lives of many in the Magic Valley. Shortly after moving back to Jerome, Marian joined the faculty of the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) where she was instrumental in establishing the Head Start/Early Childhood Education program in the Magic Valley. It was during this time that she met and married Charles Wilson, whom she described as, "the love of my life."

Marian had a profound work ethic and was happiest when she was working. Marian never had a plan to retire (and she didn't). Through her business Vintage Vanities, she bought and sold rare and unique antique clothing throughout the West Coast and her shop in Jerome. Marian was a member of both the Vintage Fashion Guild and the Friends of Stricker Ranch. In the last year of her life, she was still involved with the Twin Falls County Museum as a consultant for vintage clothing. Marian will be remembered for her ceaseless positive attitude and her life of service. To paraphrase Elbert Hubbard, "A woman is only as rich as she gives. She who gives the most gains the greatest rewards."

Marian is survived by her children, Craig, Louise, and Mark; grandchildren, Pasua, Noel, Joshua, Isaac, and Matthew (R.I.P.); great-grandchildren, Kaylha, Kierstin, Pyper, and Tatum; and great-great-grandchild, Marli.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Jerome Senior Center, 520 N Lincoln Ave, Jerome. Burial will conclude at the Jerome Cemetery at 4:00 pm.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Marian's memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.