Hearie L. Manning

Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all. Proverbs 31: 25-29 Mrs. Hearie L. Manning was born on August 3, 1933 in Nashville, AR. She was the seventh of seven children born into the union of Wade and Lille Mae Brown Burchette of Howard County, Arkansas.

Hearie found love early on in life when she met, Arthur Lewis "Doc" Manning, whom she married on May 31, 1958. They shared 48 years of wedded bliss in which they built a family and made sure to instill solid family values in their children, Sonya and Arthur (Kirk). Those same values, strength, and unconditional love were passed on to their grandchildren, Sir Leo, Quisha, and Brandon.

Hearie loved the lord and enjoyed giving him all praise. She became a member of St. John CME church in Buckrange, Arkansas where she was a faithful and active member serving on the Missionary Board, usher ministry, choir and also as a Sunday School Teacher. Sister Hearie loved her church and church family. She also loved to sing sweet gospel music. As a younger woman, not only did she sang in the church choir but also with a group in which they traveled various places ministering through song. She would often reminisce and tell of ''those good ole days'' when the church would get stirred up with their singing. She would even proceed to give her family a sample of her singing from time to time.

Hearie was no stranger to hard work. She worked in various positions for different businesses and also became a licensed Beautician. After numerous years of working she finally retired from Husqvarna in 1999. Although her career life was complete, Hearie was far from tired. She kept herself busy and was involved in the community as a member of NAACP, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She also played on the Benson Nursing Home softball team for several years as a catcher and outfielder. There was nothing more important to Hearie than her family. She imparted in her children and grandchildren the value of working, the need for education, importance of discipline, and planning/preparing for the future. She was an encourager and the number one supporter of family. Sister Hearie not only stressed the importance of continuing your education, but she lead by example. When computers became popular, she took computer and spanish classes to be kept up with the times.

Sister Hearie was a young soul at heart. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Being so full of life, laughter and wisdom it seemed as though she never met a stranger whether young or old. She didn't like staying put too long. She enjoyed riding and being chauffeured around by friends and family. In the community it was not uncommon to see Hearie and her sister Mary together. Very seldom would you see one without the other. Their strong sister bond and love for family they shared was passed on to their children, Sonya, Kirk, Trina, and James. The most fondest of memories are shared among the grandchildren where they would go with Sister Hearie and her sister on Friday night and they would all fellowship together eating fish and playing Pacman. Hearie and her sister Mary played as well! On January 5, 2017 the Lord called the sweet spirit of Sister Hearie L. Manning home to rest after a job well done.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Wade and Lillie Burchette; her spouse, Arthur L. Manning; her siblings, Jewel Dean Burchette, Curtisse Burchette, Mary Burchette Marshall, Charles Willie Burchette, Sudie Scoggins, and Bessie Scoggins.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her daughter, Sonya (Alvin) Hunter of Hope, AR.; her son, Arthur Kirk Manning of Nashville, AR.; her grandchildren: Sir Leo Manning, Quisha (Tracy) Morgan, and Brandon Adams all of Nashville, AR, Lakakilia Hunter and Kristen Hunter of Dallas, TX. Seven great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services are under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, AR. Public visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral home on Friday, January 13, 2017 from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at St. John C.M.E Church in Nashville, AR where Rev. Martha Epps is pastor and will serve as officiant. Rev. Jessie-Pearl Jackson will give the eulogy. The body will lie in state 1 hour prior to funeral time at the church. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery in Nashville, AR.

The body will lie in state 1 hour prior to funeral time. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery in Nashville, AR.

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