Imogene Elizabeth Manus 95, transitioned from her earthly home to a home not made by man, but by GOD on Saturday April 29,2023, at AHN St. Vincent. She was born on August 17,1927 in Meadville, PA to Preston and Johnnie Dell Patterson, Franklin. “I have traveled, I’m tired and have had a beautiful long life, I will miss you all and I loved you all”. Imogene enjoyed life demonstrating a flair for the arts, ceramics, quilting, painting, drawing and a collection of teacups, national and international. She was a founding member of J.F. Kennedy senior citizens club, in which many friends were made. An especially fond relationship developed with Blanca Velez, who assisted with bingo winning, arts and crafts, senior physical exercise, and many other activities. Imogene AKA Jean was honored for her volunteerism. As a youngster, she attended Meadville 2nd district public school and graduated from Meadville High School in 1945. During High School she was employed as a house servant for the wealthy Walker Family. At age 17, she began employment at Talon Zipper Manufacturing products supporting WW11 Efforts. She began her religious affiliation as a Bethel AME Sunday School student. She later was baptized and remained a member until she married Luther R. Manus Sr. In 1949 and moved to Erie, at which time she became a member of St. James AME Church. She remained such until her passing from world to the next. During her fellowship, she was a faithful stewardess with Tithes, conference claim and all dues. A major enjoyment was volunteering, along with an old school friend Grace change, decorating the church on most any occasion. This she did until medical issues rendered it impossible. Imogene is survived by four children; Carlton, Denice A, Cynthia D. and Stephanie J. all of Erie. She was a great mother favored by GOD to teach and train them to trust in GOD while attending and involving in church activities. Above all she had a sense of humor about everything, yet was quiet and attentive, only angry on rare occasions. Other survivors include two siblings' brother; Robert R. “Dee Dee” Franklin, Meadville, PA., Sister; Mary Benford, Youngstown, OH., nephew Kevin Benford Youngstown, OH. Granddaughters; Carla (Jamie) Tamplin, Erica A (Andrew) Carpenter. Julie E. Briggs- Manus, Step- granddaughter Mary Kobusinki. Great grandchildren; Jamie, Jasmine, Gabriella, Riquardo, Benjamin, Christopher, Hannah, Arebella, Brianna, Nicholas, Quinn and stepdaughter Sandi (Lamont) Manus Fields. Her best friend Marva Blocker from Italy. Imogene retired as an Assistant Librarian from the school district, city of Erie, in October 1989, after she enjoyed guiding students and associating with their parents. One of her many joys was living with her family in Verona-Vicenza Italy from 1961-1966. While there she had many foreign national friends. She also traveled to Germany, Switzerland, France, Greece, Austria and Caribbean with Protestant Church tours. She was a Red Cross volunteer and Librarian assistant in addition to raising her adolescent children. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law Laura Lean “Virgil” Walker, Uncle Raymond Patterson, Aunt Jodi Nolen McCullum, uncle Fred Nolen, cousins Grace, Edward, Leroy, Richard Nolen, Raymond Patterson Jr.
A public viewing will be held at St. James AME Church 236 East 11th Street Erie, PA 16503 on Friday, May 5,2023 at 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a celebration of life service will be Saturday, May 6,2023
At 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Madonna Gray, Eulogizing. Interment will be held at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to House of Paradise Cremation & Funeral Services Inc