Beverly M Manning

Beverly M. Manning, age 85, of Ledyard, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on April 1, 2023, at Hartford Hospital. She was born on June 25, 1937, in Ledyard to the late Theodore and Bertha (Edgerton) Crouch. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 62 years Michael, her brothers and sisters in law Theodore (Ted), Ruth (Tinker), Herbert (Herb), Cynthia (Beth}; sister, Rosalie (deceased); two children Dawn and John; granddaughter Alyssa; two great grandchildren Julianna and Jonah.

Beverly grew up in Ledyard with her grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins and cousin Betty next door. She walked to Geer Hill, a one-room school for 4 grades, moving to Ledyard Central when it opened, then graduating from Norwich Free Academy. While at NFA she sang weekly in a girl’s gospel trio on WICH.

Beverly attended Norwich Alliance Church from its inception. It was there she met and married Michael Manning on April 16, 1960, and soon after gave birth to Dawn and then John. Through the 60’s and early 70’s she was a stay-at-home mom. Beverly earned an associate degree in childhood education from Mohegan College. She taught at Wildwood Christian School for several years and for a number of years following served as the church secretary. Beverly served faithfully in a number of positions at The Alliance Church, including keyboard on the worship team.

Bev loved all children, especially the little ones. She was very often seen in the church nursery taking care of the babies. She was fiercely protective of any children in her family or care. No one was going anywhere without being bundled up or going outside with a wet head. Her Apple pies were legendary. She loved taking trips with Mike to Lancaster PA in their RV. They of course spent most of their time there in a very nice hotel but traveled there in style. She loved to shop, very often at Kohls or even just watching QVC. She loved to play the piano or listen to others play.

A family graveside service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday April 8 at Maplewood Cemetery, 164 Salem Tpke., Norwich. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Norwich Alliance Church, 35 Wawecus Hill Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beverly’s honor to the Norwich Alliance Church . Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online condolence for the Manning family.