Idaho at the age of 93. Her Christmas wish was granted as she reunited with
loved ones who passed on before.
Born Aug. 28, 1924 in Belgrade, Montana, Marjean was the
only daughter of Lora Belle Miller & Russell Hall Bright, with two brothers
who cared for her and protected her, E. Glenn Bright and James F. Bright. Their
family moved from Montana to Idaho when Marjean was 12 years old. Marjean
later graduated from Wendell High School. Furthuring her education in Weiser,
Idaho, Marjean met her sweetheart, Lavear Burton Thornock, while attending the
Business School.
Marjean and Lavear were married Sept. 27, 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah and
were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. After welcoming their first
daughter, Ramona into their life, World War II intervened, taking Lavear to
Europe for his tour with the U.S. Army. Marjean admirably rose to the occasion,
returning to the family farm in Wendell, Idaho, with Ramona, and putting her
shoulder to the wheel on her parent’s farm until Lavear’s return in 1946. She and
Lavear then set up residence in Twin Falls, Idaho where they raised four
daughters: Ramona Marjean, Diana Marie, Terri Anne, and Leilah Sue, and one
son Lavear Burton Thornock, Jr.
Marjean enjoyed being a wife and mother and forever welcomed friends
and strangers into their home offering food, shelter and friendship. She gave
countless permanents to her daughters, neighbors and neighbor’s
daughters. She often had a quilt set up in the living room and was always working
on a project. Marjean loved to sew, creating one of a kind fashions in dance
costumes, formals, and wedding dresses. She also enjoyed gardening, harvesting
and preserving food from the garden with her mother. She was a master bread
maker and was often observed taking loaves of bread to friends and neighbors
each week.
Marjean spent many years as a volunteer in the Twin Falls School systems
and PTA programs. An avid sports fan, she enjoyed attending sports events and
watching sports on TV with her husband, children, and grandchildren
(especially cheering on CSI and BYU). She also had a great appreciation for music
and loved attending the great-grandchildren’s musical events.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Marjean
demonstrated her unwavering faith in and testimony of Heavenly Father
throughout her life. Serving in many capacities in her ward and stake, including
the Relief Society, Primary and Young Women organizations; she always had a
deep and sincere concern for others. Her family was important to her. She
was a powerful example to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren
as she loved unconditionally, listened, taught, and encouraged each family
member. Suffering the tragic losses of her daughter, Terri, son-in-law Melvin, and
then later her only son, Lavear, she became a beacon of comfort and a source of
strength to others amid their life trials. Her love of the Book of Mormon and the
Hymns and Primary music gave her strength, courage and faith throughout her
life. Marjean and Lavear served in the Boise Temple every week for 8 years where
they made many lifelong friends, and enjoyed learning more about the Savior and
His Gospel Plan.
Marjean is survived by her children: Ramona (Mike) Linnell, Diana
Whitney, and Leilah (Robert) Schroeder, 9 grandchildren, and 33 great-
grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Lavear, daughter and
son-in-law, Terri & Melvin Tinker, and her only son, Lavear Burton Thornock, Jr.
Many heartfelt thanks to Marjean’s loving family members as well as
Syringa Place Assisted Living and Harrison’s Hope Hospice for their great service
and compassionate care.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 23, 2017 at
the LDS Church Maurice Street Building, 425 Maurice Street North, Twin Falls,
Idaho. The family will greet friends on Friday evening, December 22 at White
Mortuary from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with an additional visitation on Saturday morning
from 10:00 – 10:45 at the LDS Church Maurice Street Building.
Condolences may be left at www.whitemortuary.com.
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