PARTHENIA HONOR

Parthenia Honor was born November 19, 1937, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to the late Rev. Wesley Manning, Sr. and Pearline Malone Manning. She was the eldest of three children. In 1945, her parents relocated the family to Indianapolis, Indiana.

Parthenia attended Indianapolis public schools and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1956. Soon after, she began her career as a keyboard operator at the U. S. Army Finance and Accounting Center.  Her professional journey continued with 15 years of dedicated service at Farm Bureau, before she ultimately returned to the Finance Center, where she retired. Parthenia was well liked at her places of work.  She not only built lasting friendships but also became a “mother” figure to many, often calling the younger generation her children.

Parthenia was joined in union twice in her life; in 1961 to Willie U. Sanford II, and later in life to Alan T. Honor in 1998.

Parthenia professed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age, and was   baptized at Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang with the choir, and attended Baptist Training Union (BTU). She was known for her beautiful singing voice and her gift for directing the choir. She sang with Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Capital City Choir, Gospel Music Workshop of America, and the Indianapolis Mass Choir.

Later, she joined Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, where she continued sharing her love of music and her dedication to the Lord. In later years, as a member of Loving Missionary Baptist Church, she could often be heard breaking out in song during prayer calls or services. Although she had many, she would tell you that her favorite song was, “The Lord is Blessing Me”, and one of her most treasured scriptures was, Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Parthenia loved spending time with others, and in her younger years, she volunteered her time at St. Vincent Hospital. In her free time, she enjoyed playing Bingo, Pokeno, and assembling puzzles. Always in the know, she was eager to chat about basketball, and she kept up with her favorite soap operas. To her family, she was affectionately known as “Deenie.” With a quick laugh, and a ready smile, she brought light and joy into the lives of those around her. Her warm spirit was felt by those close to her, and she always had a word of encouragement to offer.

Parthenia Honor departed her earthly body on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Willie U. Sanford, III, and her grandson, Darin Johnson.

Parthenia leaves to cherish her memory two siblings, Dottie M. Matthews and Wesley Manning, Jr.; her loving daughters, Donna J. Murrell (Robert), Sherree A. Pipes, Cynthia L. Dunlap, Rachel C. Johnson (Kenny), Patricia A. Sanford, and Linda Whitfield; her cherished grandchildren, David Murrell (Sue), Brittney Murrell, Maurice Pipes, Jr., Matthew Pipes, Darlene Dixon, LaToya Dorsey (Adrian), Charise Keith (Jason), Latriece Stokes (Aaron), and Teaira Davis. She is also survived by a number of great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory in their hearts.

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