Marva Ann "Marvann" Young Posey, 85, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, and friend was called to her final resting place in Heaven on April 18, 2024. She entered this world on February 27, 1939, in Meadville, PA, born to the union of Ella Young and Lewis Simon.
Marva had a challenging childhood. She was not raised by her parents and moved around between various relatives as a child. She was born to young parents and initially raised by a single mother who passed away when Marva was a toddler.
Following her mother's passing, Marva lived with her grandmother, Elizabeth Young, whom she adored, in Meadville, PA. Marva also lived with her Aunt Annie Brazil in Memphis, TN and Aunt Isa Mae in Chicago, IL. Ultimately, Marva returned and finished high school in Meadville, PA, while living with her Aunt Sara Manus.
Marva grew up loved, however, she grew up without a mother's love. Nevertheless, she developed the enormous capacity to demonstratively provide love to others in a wonderful maternal way.
A woman of faith, she loved the Word of God. As a young adult, she was the pianist for religious groups. She was a skillful pianist who enjoyed playing hymnals and continued throughout her life. Marva was a servant, volunteering in her church community for many years.
Marva was a Sunday School teacher at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Youngstown, OH, for years. Her daughter often brags that her mom was her first and best Sunday school teacher. Marva served as the Youth Director at Holy Trinity. There she touched the lives of young people in a very genuine, humble, and supportive manner.
She later united with Tabernacle Baptist Church where her daughter and son-in love attended. Marva was an active member at Tabernacle, serving on the scholarship committee. When the family moved to Dayton, OH, Marva joined Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church with her family.
When the family moved to Pittsburgh, PA, Marva joined Triumph Church with her family. She has been a faithful worshipper at Triumph since 2018, where she attended the senior's bible study and participated in the women's ministry. The Triumph family always looked forward to seeing Marva's sweet smiling face. Marva felt especially honored for being recognized as an octogenarian at Triumph.
Marva worked hard her entire life. After graduating from high school in 1956, she began her career as a nurse's aide, working first in Erie, PA, and later at Southside Hospital in Youngstown.
Marva began working at the former Ohio Bell, later acquired by AT&T, in 1970. She held several administrative positions within its offices until her retirement in 1994. While at AT&T, Marva made lifelong friendships and provided wisdom and encouragement to many colleagues.
Following Marva's retirement, she fulfilled her desire for scholarship and pursued higher education at Youngstown State University, where she successfully attended, making the Dean's List.
Marva was married to Joseph Posey, Jr. in 1958, and through that union, her daughter, Kimberly Ann, was born. Though the couple later divorced, they remained friends forever. Marva remained an integral part of the Posey family throughout her life. She lovingly and fondly treasured the relationships shared with the family.
Marva led a full and vibrant life. She was in a bowling league as an adult, and she volunteered to work with individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities through the Pioneers Volunteer Network. She was also a super-shopper and never met a sale she didn't love. Marva loved animals and raised a few dogs belonging to the family. She was a seafood enthusiast. She loved her Westerns and gameshows, which she watched daily.
Marva exhibited the fruits of the spirit throughout her life as expressed in Galatians 5:22-23, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in her daily life. She was so helpful to so many people. She lived an unassuming life and did not bring attention to herself. However, the impact she had on people's lives was remarkable. She influenced and supported individuals in her family, church community, and workplace to pursue their career paths, follow their dreams, and to lead productive lives. She took the time to listen, understand, and encourage people on their journeys.
Marva was an avid traveler throughout her life. As a young mother, she made sure to plan an annual family vacation. As a grandmother, she continued the tradition and took her grandchildren on annually on vacations. She loved to travel with friends, her church group, and her family. She enjoyed driving or flying across the country, staying at hotels, going out to eat, shopping, and sightseeing. Upon retirement, Marva took to the high seas relishing cruise experiences with her friends. It goes without saying, Marvann created precious memories which were endearing to her and others.
In 2005, she made a life-altering decision to relocate from Youngtown, OH with her daughter to help her and her husband raise their family. Marva demonstrated a mother's love to her daughter and grandchildren daily. Marva was an ardent supporter of her grandchildren, never missing a sporting event, extracurricular activity, or celebration. Her presence was a blessing to have in the home and allowed Marva to enjoy family throughout her senior years.
Her memory will be embraced by her one and only child, daughter and best friend, Attorney Kimberly Manigault and son-in-love Albert Manigault. Her legacy will be upheld by her granddaughter Alanna Manigault, grandson Ryan Manigault and great-grandson Xavier James. Fondest remembrances will be maintained by her siblings Nancy Simon, Selena "Tina" Fisher, Lewis "Moe" Simon (Marisel) and Levi Simon. Marvann is also survived by a cadre of cousins, nieces, and nephews and friends.
Now assuming her rightful place among the ancestors, she was reunited with her parents, grandmother and aunts who nurtured her in love and in faith, along with dear sister/cousins Norma Jean Foster and Chestine Cowan.
The memories of Marva will be treasured by all those who knew and loved her. Let us come together to celebrate the beautiful life of a shining beacon of love, laughter, and light. Marva will lie in repose Saturday April 27, 2024, at the Triumph Church, 1293 Mt. Nebo Road, Pittsburgh PA, at 10 am where the community may express condolences to the family.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 am where Pastor Craig L. Giles will officiate. As we reflect on Marva’s remarkable life, we find solace in the cherished memories she leaves behind. A beacon of light and love, her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift.
Marva's strength and faith in the Lord were an inspiration to her family and to many. Her greatest passion was her love of God. Her family was everything else. Marva certainly lived a life worth living. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
The family of Marva Ann "Marvann" Young Posey elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After Care Arrangements with the J. E. Washington Funeral Services,1059 Hamilton Ave, Farrell PA, 16121 724.983.1523.
Serving with compassion and integrity since 1981.