Joy Morrison

POCATELLO a�" Joy South Morrison died peacefully of natural causes on April 18, 2012, at the age of 87 in Draper, Utah, at the home of her daughter. Morrison is known to many in the Pocatello area because of her involvement in promoting community events at the Idaho State Journal. One retired Journal publisher, "Al" Ricken, described Morrison as the newspaper's best public relations person. Joy's "love affair" with newspapers started in high school and lasted her entire life. She worked part-time at the Idaho State Journal in the 1940s during her college years and full-time from 1955 to 2008. During Morrison's more than 50 years at the Journal she was a staff reporter, society/community editor and editor of the "People," "Lifestyle" and "Faith" sections. The career in journalism never lots its magic and during her life she watched newspapers go from the hot metal printing press to sophisticated computers. Morrison began her love of journalism at the young age of 15 when she was selected as the editor of the Pocatello High School newspaper. She also worked as assistant to syndicated writer "Uncle Ray" and as a high school journalism teacher at East High School in Salt Lake City. Her job at the "Journal" allowed her to meet diverse people like First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, actress Lucille Ball and comedian Bob Hope. The job also gave her contact with people whose stories are unforgettable like a young girl dying from cancer, a single father with two handicapped children and a midget who was the symbol for the March of Dimes. Morrison was born to Edward Marshall South and Ruth Heath South on June 3, 1924, in Montpelier, Idaho, and was the oldest of three daughters. She spent the Great Depression at her grandfather's farm in Michigan, where she attended elementary school in a one-room school house. The family then moved back to Idaho, and Morrison graduated from Pocatello High School. There was no question about attending college. Education was important to Morrison because she was the daughter of a railroad conductor who had a second-grade education and was determined that his daughters have college degrees. She attended Idaho State University when it was a two-year college and was editor of the "Bengal," which was the college newspaper. Then she attended the University of Wisconsin, where she received her BA in journalism. The Portneuf Valley Interfaith Council award was named after Morrison, and she was the first recipient. She received many other awards and honors including the ISU William J. Bartz Service award, the Athena award from the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce, the ISU Distinguished Friend Award, the Soroptimist Distinguished Woman award, and the Idaho Press Women's award for Woman of the Year. Involvement in community activities has resulted in many special friendships for Morrison. Her service through the years has ranged from the Pocatello High School Foundation to the Heart Association. Some groups have a special place in her heart like the Pocatello Art Center and the high school summer musicals, where she volunteered backstage. Family was important to Morrison and was her other love besides newspapers. Her late husband, Thomas (Tom) Morrison worked 33 years for the Idaho State Journal as sports editor and Associated Press wire editor. She loved spending time with her daughter, Michele (Shelly) Morrison Heuser, and her grandson, Edward Thomas Heuser, and her granddaughter, Marianne Joy Heuser. Morrison felt she was fortunate to work at the Idaho State Journal and believed her most valued possession was her ability to keep working. The family wishes to thank the Idaho State Journal for allowing Morrison to work until she retired at the age of 84. The family also wishes to thank Intermountain Homecare/Hospice of Salt Lake City. The hospice team made it possible for Joy to have a peaceful death surrounded by her family. And there is a special thank you to Darlene Groesbeck for her loving care and help during the final years of Morrison's life. Joy South Morrison is survived by her daughter, Michele (Shelly) Heuser and her son-in-law, Greg Heuser, of Draper, Utah; and her grandchildren, Edward Thomas Heuser and Marianne Joy Heuser. She is also survived by her "California" family including her sister, Ann Parsons, her nephew, James (Jim) Parsons Jr., Parson's wife, Carolyn Parsons, and her great-niece, April Parsons. Morrison's husband, Thomas (Tom) Morrison, sister, Mary Lou South, parents, Edward South and Ruth Heath South, brother-in-law, James (Jim) Parsons preceded her in death. Funeral services are open to the public and will be held on Monday, April 23 at 2 p.m., at Colonial Funeral Home. Morrison's special friend, the Rev. Roger Bray of the Central Christian Church, will preside at the services. Graveside services at Restlawn Memorial Gardens are also open to the public and will follow the funeral services. Friends can leave their condolences online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com. Those who wish to make a donation can send donations in Joy's name to the Portneuf Valley Interfaith Fellowship, c/o Janie Gebhardt, 309 North Garfield, Pocatello, Idaho 83204. Video Tribute: