Marian Moyser

Mrs. Marian Edith (Walker) Moyser, 105, of Brentwood at Niles, Niles, Michigan, died peacefully Tuesday morning, December 19, 2017 at her home. She was born April 1, 1912 to David N. and Edith (Snuff) Walker in Niles. On December 20, 1952, she was married to Cecil Moyser who proceeded her in death in April of 1999.

Funeral services for Marian will be Friday, December 22, at 2:00pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services with Rev. Rob Snodgrass of Wesley United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation with family will begin prior to the service at 1:00pm. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Contributions may be made in Marian’s memory to Wesley United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma Society’s Scholarship Fund, Fernwood Botanical Gardens, or a donation of your choice.

Marian Edith Walker was born on her parent’s farm north of Niles on M 140 and has lived in the area all of her life. She is our family matriarch.

Her mother’s family (The Johnson’s) was a Niles area family of pioneers coming here to Niles by way of Ohio in 1824 and her father’s family (Walker’s) also arriving to the area in 1828.

Marian was a retired schoolteacher and administrator having a B.S. and M.S. degree from Western Michigan University. She taught in various one room schools in Berrien County from 1931 to 1944. Among them, Miller, Geyer, Royal, Elm Valley and Sawyer schools. She then taught in the Niles Community Schools from 1944 to 1976 including Westside and Central schools. She was also an elementary principal at Southside and Oak Manor Schools in Niles. Marian ruled her classes with a firm hand and made sure her students learned what they were there for. Found among her many souvenirs were notes to her from previous students thanking her for all she had done for them.

Marian was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Berrien County Retired School Personnel, Alpha Beta Epsilon Society, Delta Kappa Gamma Society (67 years) and Fernwood Botanical Gardens. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for 18 years. On her 100th birthday, Marian was presented with the Key to the City of Niles.

Marian and her husband Cecil traveled often after retirement, from Iceland and England to Greece and Africa. Marian also remained active in her sororities and clubs. She enjoyed playing the piano, reading, doing puzzles and crossword puzzles. She also entertained friends and family with her readings of coffee grounds, foretelling everyone’s future. However, her fondest activity or vice (whichever) was shopping for clothing. From St. Joseph, Mi to South Bend and LaPorte and beyond she would travel to find just the right outfit and accessories. Needless to say she always looked fantastic. Marian continued to take shopping excursions with family members at 104 years old. Marian loved to converse and always managed to get her point across. Her many friends were loyal to her and she enjoyed them all. Her mind remained as sharp as ever until the end.

Marian is survived by two nephews, Clayton H. (Margaret) Walker of Niles, Leroy (Rhonda) Walker of Mustang, OK. Two nieces, Edytha A. Bowerman of Berrien Springs and Faye Walker of Niles. She is also survived by many great nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil, three brothers, Elwood, Clayton G. and Ray I. Walker; niece Lois Johnson and nephew Robert E. Walker; great nephews, Ray W. Bowerman and David N. Walker and, great nieces Barbara Johnson Beck-White and Carol Johnson Holly.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Brentwood for their kindness and care of Marian.

Marian remained very close to all of her family who considered her an inspiration and a blessing in life. We will miss her.