Marilyn Marissa Jamerson O''Dey Anderson Obituary (1931 - 2018)

Marilyn Marissa Jamerson O'Dey Anderson passed away at home on March 3, 2018, after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. She left this world in peace, in the presence of her husband, daughters, and loved ones, knowing that Jesus Christ would welcome her with open arms. She left with the knowledge that those who went before (moms and dads, and other family and friends) were waiting impatiently for her. She was born on February 24, 1931 in Pamplin, Virginia to Marissa Cole Jamerson and Ernest Thomas Jamerson. Marissa passed away six weeks later. Marilyn was raised and adopted by her mother's cousin, Marvin R. (M.R.) and Mildred Hanks O'Dey. Mildred passed away and M.R. married Anna Marie Paulsen Oelsligle in 1960. Marilyn grew up in Tilden, Nebraska and graduated from high school in 1949. During her college years, she met her future husband, Norman L. Anderson and they were married in Tilden on September 7, 1950. Marilyn obtained her Associates Degree from the University of Nebraska, and taught school in Nebraska, at times teaching as a team with Norm. They moved from Nebraska to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1955, and then to Brigham City, Utah in 1960. She obtained her M. S. in Education from Utah State University in 1967. She then designed and implemented a program for emotionally handicapped students to aide them in returning to regular classrooms. She was also very involved in music education while at Mountain View Elementary in Brigham City. She received her Certificate in Administration from USU in the early 80s, and was a principal at Perry, Bunderson, and Central Elementary schools. She was the first woman principal in Box Elder School District. She reluctantly retired in 1995. Toward the end of her career and into retirement, she was very involved in the Box Elder School District Foundation. Marilyn enjoyed many hobbies. She was very artistically gifted and this was expressed in her sewing (even wedding dresses), cake decorating, hand crafts, gardening, and other hobbies. Her musical talents included her soprano singing, organist, choir member and director, with over 60 years of musical involvement at her church. She was also involved as a volunteer with the Gideons Auxiliary, YWCA, and served in leadership at her church as an Elder. She remained involved in the school district foundation. Marilyn was also fortunate to have many wonderful travel experiences with her husband, family, and friends. She traveled throughout the USA and the world. Marilyn loved angels and enjoyed providing angel jewelry for sale and for use as gifts to people she cared about. Marilyn is survived by her husband, Norman Anderson, their three daughters: Sherie, Gail, Cindy and their families - Sherie Anderson (Mike) Monaldi of Missouri, and granddaughter, Gina; Gail (Mike) Ravenberg of Corinne and grandsons Chris (Alicia) Kobayashi, Lance (Catherine) Kobayashi, and Chad Kobayashi, and six great-grandchildren: Cindy (John) Eriksson of Centerville and grandchildren, Jessica (Daniel) Stromberg and Ryan (Michelle) Eriksson, with two great-grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by her biological siblings, Cornelia (Jamerson) Hetrich, Garnet (Jamerson) Speer, Charles Jamerson, and Douglas Jamerson. She was preceded in death by biological siblings, Ernestine (Jamerson) Pankey, Alfred Jamerson, Thomas Jamerson, Walter Jamerson, and Linda Faye (Jamerson) Arthur. We extend a special thank you to the 'Angels' from Ali's Angels in Home Care and Callie Taylor, for the exceptional care through these Alzheimer's days and nights. They have been a tremendous blessing to our family. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 3:00 pm. at the Community Presbyterian Church, 311 S 100 E, Brigham City. Time for visiting with the family will be from 1:30 - 3 pm. Marilyn loved purple and red, so we encourage people to celebrate Marilyn by wearing purple or red. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to The Gideons International, Community Presbyterian Church, Box Elder School District Foundation, Alzheimer's research, or a charity of your choice in Marilyn's memory. Visitationcommunity Presbyterian Church 304 South 200 East Brigham City, Utah 84302 March 25, 2018 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM ServiceCommunity Presbyterian Church 304 South 200 East Brigham City, Utah 84302 March 25, 2018 3:00 PM