Joyce Lorraine Manning

Joyce L. Manning, 79, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, April 25, 2011 after a long illness. Mrs. Manning was born in Birmingham, Alabama, the youngest of three daughters. She met her future husband on a blind date when he served in the Marine Corps and was stationed in Alabama, and married her beloved Bob, who survives, on May 23, 1950. A long-term resident of Jacksonville, Alabama, she was involved in many activities at West Point Baptist Church, served as a volunteer in the local elementary school, as an adult literacy volunteer, and as volunteer at Jacksonville Hospital. She was active in her children’s schools, including serving as a Room Mother, volunteering at Central Elementary School in Beech Grove, and as President of the PTA Board for Beech Grove Middle School. In her early career, she worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in Quantico, Virginia, and later worked at St. Francis Hospital, Beech Grove in the Admitting Department. A love for her adopted City of Beech Grove led her to run for Clerk-Treasurer in 1975, and although unsuccessful, she never failed to support and cherish the people of Beech Grove. She survived two bouts of cancer and served as a wonderful and compassionate example to her children, grandchildren, and great –grandchildren. Her love for her family and friends was without limits. She was a great cook and hostess and was, and is, loved dearly by all who knew her. Mrs. Manning was an active member of First Baptist Church of Beech Grove. In addition to her husband Bob, she is survived by her three children Melody (Craig) Stevens; Susie Manning; Bruce (Linda) Manning; her grandchildren, Heather Joy (Richard) Brown; Jeremy Manning; Brian Plew, Jared Manning, Benjamin J. Stevens; and Heather M Stevens; and her great-grandchildren, Andrew Brown and Robbie Brown. Her family would like to thank Pastor Gabe and Randi Raffa, of First Baptist Church of Beech Grove, for their kindness and compassion throughout her illness; and the staff of the Altenheim Community and People First Hospice. Visitation will be held Thursday April 28, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Little & Sons Funeral Home Beech Grove. Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM Friday April 29th in the Funeral Home. Burial Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Beech Grove, 5521 E. Churchman Ave. Indpls. In 46203. www.littleandsonsbeechgrove.com