Terry Marley

Obituary

Terry Vaughn Marley

It is with mixed emotions that the family of Terry Vaughan Marley announce his passing on July 22, 2025, at the age of 80. Terry was born September 12, 1944, in Pocatello, Idaho, the third child of Raymond and Bessie Marley.

He grew up in Pocatello, Idaho and lived much of his life in the same home that he was born into. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints his entire life and served a mission in Northern California. He attended college at Idaho State University earning a degree in Music. He went on to work at Bannock Memorial Hospital in the Medical Sterilization Department. Terry was diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age and was never able to obtain a driver's license. He walked to and from work every day during this time from his home on Bridger to the hospital (about 2.5 miles each way) for many years.

Terry had a deep love for his parents. He lived in the family home, changing nearly nothing except for the purchase of his grand piano. He was an accomplished pianist and spoke often about playing the piano at church meetings.

He loved to travel, especially the scenic routes. Even though he was unable to drive, he took every opportunity to take a ride with whomever he could to see the beauty in the world. Then he met Bernice.

Bernice and Terry met at church and were married in 1992. Terry had never married, and Bernice was divorced with 4 children and 2 grandchildren at the time. Terry never hesitated and loved all of them as his own as well as many others to come. Terry and Bernice worked hard at creating a home for themselves in Pocatello, but soon an opportunity arose to move to Blackfoot and begin a business. They owned and operated J&M Mental Health for many years providing case management and rehab services to persons with mental illness.

They loved to take clients camping and traveled all around the northwest US with them on many adventures.

Later, they were proud sponsors of many foreign exchange students and never hesitated to take time to show them all their favorite places, especially Yellowstone National Park. This was a highlight of Terry's life, and he grew to love each of them and their culture.

Terry was a scriptorian. He knew the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants front to back. He also studied the Quran, Judaism, the works of Josephus, and Eusebius. He had at least 10 bibles written in different languages including original Hebrew, which he had studied at ISU late in life. Family members would often go to him for ideas for talks and lessons for church because he could quote scripture including the book and verse for whatever subject you could think of.

He was also deeply interested in genealogy and was proud to show anyone who would listen his lineage and point out that he was related to Mary Queen of Scots.

Terry was ready to join his wife and family that had passed on. He was devout in his faith and truly lived and believed the LDS teachings. He knew that there were promises to come and that he would be with his loved ones. He endured to the end, and although he will be missed, we celebrate his reunion with his family and his Heavenly Father.

Terry is survived by two brothers, Gene Marley, (Mary Jane), Portland, Oregon, and Craig Marley (Gloria) of Twin Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Jay Genera (Elaine), Salem, Oregon, Teresa Rhodes (Stan), Tom Genera (Norma), and Joshua Genera (Angela), all of Blackfoot, Idaho. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, and 13 great- grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Bessie Marley and his wife, Bernice Marley.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Avenue in Blackfoot. Interment will follow in the Grove City Cemetery.