Joyce Manning

Joyce Smith Manning, 77, of Lubbock departed this world on Saturday, November 11, 2017 to go to her heavenly home. She was born on August 9, 1940 in Meadow, Texas. The family moved to Lubbock in 1942 when her father helped build Reese Air Force Base. Joyce graduated from Lubbock High School in 1958 where she was a member of the Westerner Band. She graduated from Texas Tech with a degree in Education and completed Master’s courses in Special Education. Joyce married her husband, Dan, in 1962 at First Christian Church in Lubbock. They celebrated 40 years together before he preceded her in death in 2002. She was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Lubbock and a member of the Keystone Sunday School class. She worked for many years as a pastor’s secretary to Dudley Strain.

Joyce began her teaching career in Idalou and continued with the Lubbock Independent School District until she retired due to health concerns after over twenty years of service. She had a special gift for working with Special Education students as well as troubled youth. She was most proud of her nomination to the Pride Club at Mackenzie Junior High, an award that she was nominated for by her students. She served as President of the Eta Rho chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an organization she dearly loved. She was also a member of the Lubbock Retired Teachers Association. Joyce was a 27-year cancer survivor.

Time spent with family and grandkids was very important to her. She also enjoyed sewing, baking and was famous for her Sunday roast. Joyce very much enjoyed the companionship of her little dog, Uppy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Loyd and Thelma Smith; and her husband, Dan. Survivors include: her son, Craig Manning and wife Julie of Keller; daughters, Vickie Cisneros and husband Michael of Lubbock, and Robin Tobin and husband Eric of Prosper; also survived by eight grandchildren: Christopher, Emily, Alissa, of Lubbock; Britton, Macy, Preston and Abigail of Prosper; and Jason of Keller; her older brother, Lilburn and wife, Carolyn; her twin brother, Cloyce and wife Carol; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express appreciation to her caregivers at Carillon House, Patty, Rachel and Natalia of Noble Care for their dedicated care and support to the family; and her caregivers from BrightStar Care.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Resthaven Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 16, 2017 at First Christian Church of Lubbock. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Christian Church, the American Cancer Society, or Alzheimer’s research. Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online tributes.