Melissa "Jean" Manning
September 18, 1935 ~ June 27, 2025
Melissa "Jean" Manning, of Elkhart, Texas joined her loving husband in Heaven on Friday, the 27th day of June 2025, at the age of 89. She was born on the 18th day of September 1935 in Elkhart, Texas to parents William Clyde Jones and Audrey Mae Meredith.
Mrs. Manning was a Christian and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Elkhart, where she found great joy in fellowship and service. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her daily life and the kind way she treated everyone she met. She was a dedicated member who loved her church family. Mrs. Manning was known for her musical talent, often gracing the congregation with her piano or organ playing during church services and gatherings. Her love for music was a gift that she shared generously, bringing beauty and harmony to the lives of many.
Her hands were rarely still, as she poured her creativity into sewing, quilting, and painting. Her quilts were more than mere blankets; they were tapestries of love. Her love for painting filled her home and the lives of her loved ones.
Mrs. Manning's greatest pride was her family. She nurtured her loved ones with the same care and devotion that she extended to her hobbies and her faith. Her home was a place of warmth and affection, and her legacy of love is one that will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents William and Audrey Jones; her loving husband, Charlie Lee Manning; sisters, Jacquelyn Morris and Lucy Beth Rogers; and brother, Billy Clyde Jones.
Left to cherish Mrs. Manning's memory are her loving children, Cynthia Kaye Young and husband Eddie, Anita "Gayle" Rogers and husband Lowell, all of Elkhart, Texas, and Charles Preston Manning and wife Ann, of Asheville, North Carolina; grandchildren, Leo James "Jamie" Beck, Kevin Wayne Marak, Jason Leith Beck, Eric Wayne Marak, Christopher Wayne Marak, and Sarah Elizabeth Sparrowhawk. She also leaves behind fourteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and lifelong friends.
Funeral services to honor Jean Manning's life are to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 30th day of June 2025 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Jason Hoffman officiating the service. Interment will follow in Pilgrim Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas where she will be laid to rest by her husband Charlie Manning.
Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Mrs. Manning's grandsons and great grandsons, Jamie Beck, Kevin Marak, Jason Beck, Christopher Marak, Leith Beck, and Rylan Marak. Honorary pallbearers include Eric Marak and Jack Sparrowhawk.
For those unable to attend the service, livestreaming will be available via Rhone Funeral Home's Facebook Page.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed towards Elkhart Food Pantry, 424 West Parker Street, Elkhart, Texas 75839.
Funeral services for Melissa Jean Manning are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. We invite you to take a moment to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolences at www.rhonefuneralhome.com.
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We never meet, but your light shines through with your daughter Gayle, our new next door neighbor and friend!
Cindy,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet Mom. She was always so kind to me when delivering their mail. I know you took good care of her. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Susan Ray
What a joyful Heavenly reunion it must have been when our sweet Aunt Jean entered the Perly Gates. My thoughts, prayers and love go out to my cousins and there entire family. Love you all! Bobby
We were members of First Baptist Church for several years, and Jean was very special as was Charlie,
They were an example of what every marriage should be She will be greatly missed.
We think of her often since we moved to Northern Virginia.
Such a beautiful pictorial tribute to sweet, always welcoming, Aunt Jean. We were blessed having her in our lives. So many memories. We are thinking of our cousins and all their families during this time. We thank Jesus for his promises that assure us that we will see our loved ones again.
Aunt Jean and Uncle Charlie would come to our house at Christmas time. We would go upstairs and Aunt Jean would play the piano while we all stood around and sang. I always looked forward to it as a kid. She would always have a sewing project going on it seemed, and she and my mom would talk about that a lot. I never heard a bitter word from her in all my years. Always a smile on her face. She was always a joy to be around. She will be missed!