Marian J. Thomas

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Marian Jewel Thomas was a generous, artistic spirit, who viewed the world as her canvas; using bright bold colors to paint and sculpt her life, and those around her. Her sense of humor, zest for life, philanthropic endeavors and positive attitude were so reminiscent of her Mother. She was born on April 29, 1939 to the late Ivanona Kirby and Frank Essic
Johnson in Highland Park, MI. She was the first born of three children; Gerald Essex (who preceded her) and Nina Rose. After Papa Frank passed away, they moved on Frederick street in Detroit.

Marian was blessed to recognize her passion for the arts, at an early age. She and her sister Rosie spent countless hours at all of the cultural sites in the city; including the Detroit Institute of Arts and the main branch of the library. She pursued an Art Curriculum track within the
Detroit Public School System. She attended Balch Elementary, McMichael Junior High, and was a proud graduate of Cass Technical High School - Class of 1958. During her senior year, while modeling, she was featured in Jet Magazine as a beauty of the week.

Marian and Rosie moved to New York and had the time of their life! They partied, worked, and partied some more!! Being reminded of the importance of education that was instilled in her and her siblings from the onset, she resumed her studies, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Montclair State University in New Jersey. Post-graduation, she continued modeling and worked in early childhood education. She met and married Spurgeon Cameron and moved to his hometown of Raleigh North Carolina. Eventually, Marian returned to New York where she worked for Bristol Myers.

She returned to her roots in Detroit, and worked on her graduate studies at Wayne State University, in Instructional Technology. Marian’s career continued as an Adult Basic Education Instructor - Ruthruff Adult Day Center, Detroit Public Schools; Manager at EDS Corporation; Director, Detroit Compact -Detroit Regional Chamber; Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce; District Director of Business and Industry- Wayne County Community College District. Her students and colleagues LOVED her!!

On May 1, 1982, she married the love of her life, Edward A. Thomas. Their marriage was filled with love, travel and the enjoyment of their family! They really enjoyed traveling the world, and made sure to always include the Bahamas and Mexico as a main stop.

Marian was extremely active in a variety of organizations; including the Detroit Idlewilders Club (which she joined with her Mom), Kindred Souls Fine Arts Association, Black Child Development, Cass Tech Alumni Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Detroit Executive Service Corps, Detroit Urban League, National Teacher's Corps, NAACP, and the Michigan Council of Cooperative Education.

Marian lived a full and rewarding life and was THE BEST SISTER, AUNT & COUSIN!.
She unexpectedly received her wings on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Providence Hospital.