The loved and loving mother, sister, and friend passed on life’s highway the stone that marks the highest point, and being weary and worn, she lay down by the wayside, and, using her burden for a pillow, fell into that dreamless sleep that kissed her eyelids still on October 16, 2018 at 7:45 a.m. in Columbia, South Carolina.
“Life is the narrow vale between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities. We strive to reach their withering heights. We cry aloud, but the only answer is the echo of our wailing cry. But in the night of death, hope finds a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing."
This brave and tender woman in every storm of life was oak and rock, but in the sunshine she was joy and consolation, charm and delight. She was the daughter of the late Kirby Hayes Manning and Calvin William Manning, Sr. born and reared in Dillon, South Carolina, she attended the public elementary and high school there. Very early on she excelled in academic performance and, later in high school; she took up the game of basketball, playing with her younger sister, becoming a winning defensive force for Gordon High School’s girls’ team. Known for her radiant smile and pleasing personality, she was voted the most congenial in her high school senior class. After high school, she briefly attended Barber Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina, before marrying Priestley McBride, Jr. in 1956. She had three children during that marriage, which ended in divorce. She raised her children as a single parent, working numerous jobs to provide their essential needs. She worked at Rownd & Sons Basket Factory in the early years, and later, moved on to clerical positions at the textile industries of Buck Creek and Image Carpet. During her fulltime employment, she continued to pursue her education through night courses at Pembroke University, in Pembroke, North Carolina.
She was an avid supporter of local high school football and basketball and could often be found in the cheering section of both hometown and out-of-town games, driving other parents’ children to and from these events. She engaged many young people in civic, social, and religious activities. She was truly inspirational with her own children in showing them the value of education.
Her foremost love and devotion were to her church. Christened in infancy, she joined Saint Stephens in childhood and remained an active and devoted member her entire life of 79 years. She loved Sunday school and Bible study and participated in various church activities, ranging from the choir, to the homecoming committee, to the board of trustees, noon day prayer service at McCoy’s Chapel. She served as president of the United Methodist Women for a period, as well as on the Marion District United Methodist Women.
She leaves to mourn three children; Evelyn Delores McBride Govan, David Christopher McBride (Barbara); and Michael Darin McBride (Gail); four grandchildren: Maegan Delores McBride, Derrick Christopher McBride, Brianna Kirby McBride, and Maury Douglas Govan; and two great grandchildren: Samajae James Govan and Dalana Jean McBride-Drayton. She also leaves one sister: Emmaline Manning Page and two brothers: Kenneth Rogers Manning and David Brunson Manning. Three brothers: Melvin Douglas Manning, Calvin Manning, Jr., and Artist Edward Manning and one sister: Mary Helen Manning Fenton: preceded her passing. There are many devoted nieces and nephews and cousins, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She made friends from all walks of life with ease, grace, and dignity. She remained loyal and devoted to them to the end; she respected, loved, and helped many people of all races ~ black, white, or yellow, of diverse persuasions straight, gay, or transgendered; and of unusual circumstances rich, poor, or drug addicted. She had a true Christian spirit for making people feel comfortable, special, and important. But it was she who was so special and unique. Whoever created and designed her persona and character threw the pattern away. Her loss will be deeply felt.
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