Jessie J. Manns, 81, of Martinsville, VA passed Sunday, May 29, 2022. Public viewing will be held Thursday, June 2, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Perry Spencer Funeral Home Chapel, Eden, NC. The family will be available to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2022 at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2700 Soapstone Road, Ridgeway, VA 24148. Interment will follow at Danville Memorial Gardens, Danville, VA.

His journey began as Jesse James Manns, on May 10, 1941, in Rockingham County, North Carolina born to the late Harvey Beverly Manns and the late Sallie Idelle Smith Manns Williams. He was the third of five children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William David Manns and Samuel Edward Lee Manns.

Educated in the public schools of North Carolina, he received his high school education at Douglas High in Eden, NC. After graduation he received four years of undergraduate studies at the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina in Greensboro, NC. His further studies were in textile management and brewery management at Rockingham Community College.

He met the love of his life, Ardell Boyd, in the early 60's and they married December 23, 1967. They gifted each other with two sons, Darwin and Bernard - life blessing. Their cord of three strands is not broken. They have been woven together by God as one, so it will be-life blessing.

His work career encompassed a period of more than forty years at Fieldcrest Mills. IE Dupont and Miller Brewery (recipient of the President's Award). He took all of his jobs seriously and was recognized for his dedication work ethics.

He began his authentic walk with God at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Axton, Virginia and continued growing in his faith at MT. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Ridgeway, VA. He was ordained into the Deacon's Ministry at Mt. Zion in 1995. He loved serving God and man. Recognition by man was not needed for either because he believed "Service is the rent that we pay for our place on earth. "To the best of his ability he faithfully served on the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Male Chorus, Usher Beard and as Financial Secretary.

While walking with God he always acknowledged the source of his blessings. Te blessing of reading and receiving revelations in the Word of God The blessing of being a mathematician, tailor, baseball enthusiast and overall handyman. The blessing of having the ability to do many labors: carpenter, mechanic, farmer and lawncare specialist. The blessing of love and appreciation for nature and all that god created: birds, oceans, mountains, seasons. He loved and appreciated for his kind, generous spirit and loving thoughtful heart. His love brought the very heart of God's love to everyone he met.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved wife, Ardell, of 54 years; two beloved sons, Darwin Manns of Raleigh, NC and Bernard Manns (Michelle) of Chantilly, VA; sister, Lillie Mae Gordon, Eden, NC, brother, Harvey Manns (Judy), Greensboro, NC, two grandsons; Ali and Justin; granddaughter, Natasha, four great grandchildren, Zoe, Cyrus-Maximus, Kasara and athena-Anahita, god-granddaughter, Kennedy and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.