LUCILLE MANNING

A Brief Sketch of the Life of Lucille Manning

In Her Family

Lucille was born December 20, 1937, in Shaw, Mississippi. She was the fourth of eight children born to Reverend Ulysses and Roberta Brown. Her parents, four of her siblings (June, Johnnie, Jessie & Samuel), and one child (Thomas) preceded her in death.

Lucille was educated at McEvans School in Shaw, Mississippi. She was a protector of her siblings when they were young. Lucille moved from Mississippi to Memphis, Chicago, and then to Indianapolis. She married David L. Fletcher in 1958 and later Thomas Manning in 1972 (both preceded her in death).

Lucille was affectionally known as “Mom,” “Momma,” “Coot,” “Lucy,” “Granny,” and “Mother Manning.” She was always cutting an article out of the newspaper or magazine to share with family to encourage them or make them laugh. She would hang out her counseling shingle and gently yet lovingly share a word with you. Lucille enjoyed gardening and would often come to your house to help you in your garden. Lucille said, “I plant flowers and vegetables and dare them not to grow”; she truly had a green thumb and was often found tending her garden. Lucille enjoyed cooking and always had enough for anyone stopping by. She would often not eat but would be “caught” licking the bowls or pots. 

Lucille loved traveling; she has been all over the world. You said go, and she packed her bags. She traveled extensively with her daughter Charmeine, baby sister Carolyn, and lifelong friend Altamease Thompson.

Lucille loved the Lord and never met a stranger; you could find her talking to people in the grocery store or YMCA about “JESUS.” Lucille gave family and friends the code to her garage and welcomed them at all times.                                   

In Her Community

Lucille worked for over 30 years as a Customer Service Representative at Citizens Gas. Her love for people kept her volunteering at various agencies.  She enjoyed tutoring elementary students in the public school system, where she showed each student the love of Jesus and treated each student as if they were her own. 

In 2001, Citizens Gas presented retiree Lucille Manning with the Silver C.H.I.P. Award for outstanding volunteer community service as a Citizen Helping Indianapolis People. In 2010, Lucille received the Golden Hoosier Award from the State of Indiana Family and Social Service Administration in recognition of her personal life, which exemplified outstanding service to the community and the State of Indiana. In 2023, Lucille received the Golden Senior Award from the Baptist Ministerial Alliance Emancipation Program for being a Courageous and Spiritual Woman of Faith.

In Her Church

Lucille was a student of the Word; she loved the Lord and wanted to learn as much as she could about Him. Lucille enjoyed teaching Youth Sunday School at Little Egypt Baptist Church. When she joined Living Word Baptist Church, she was Sunday School Superintendent, a member of the Usher ministry, Pastor’s Aide, and was active in the women’s ministry. In 2002, she was presented with the Woman of the Year Award for her commitment and support of Sisterhood and Kingdom Building.  She was the former president and an active member with the Seasoned Saints. Lucille loved to sing, particularly the old gospel hymns; she enjoyed serving and praising God.

Lucille leaves to cherish her memories and to carry on her legacy her children: Mary Manning, Larry Manning, Margaret (Rick) Taylor, David Manning, Reginald (Vanessa) Fletcher, Charmeine Fletcher, and Dwayne (Linda) Fletcher; Her siblings: Bertha Gordon, Carolyn Buckner, and John W. Brown; Her grandchildren: Wayne Manning, Bertha Manning, Larry Manning Jr., Sava Manning, Ginai Manning, Stacsha Manning, William Manning, Robert (Chyna) Taylor, Patrice Taylor, Lamont Manning, Charlene Fletcher, JacQuan Turner, Darren Turner, Jazmin Turner, Demetrish Travis, Chris (McKenzy) Bowers, Mariah (Dimitry) Pryor, and India Fletcher; 32 great-grandchildren, 18 great, great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Special thanks to her friend and caregiver, Daisy Kirby.

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