Biography: Mary Jane Manney was born on Thanksgiving Day November 27, 1924 to Mike and Lela Smith of Heber Springs, AR. She left this earth peacefully on December 17, 2018 at her home in Little Rock, AR. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dr. Jim Manney, brother Charles Smith and grandson David Byrd, Jr. She is survived by her 3 children, Nancy Nicholas of OK, Mike Manney (Stacey) of SC, and Pat Manney (Amber) of Little Rock. She loved her five grandchildren so much, Jim Byrd of OK, Elizabeth Manney Prenger of Fayetteville, Michelle Manney Redd of VA, Wesley Manney of SC, and Jim Manney of Little Rock, and most especially her 8 great grandchildren. After becoming a widow at age 42, she went to college and got a degree in Psychology from UALR. She mentored and befriended many young women in the Juvenile Justice System for 30 years. Her passions in life were family, friends, faith and continuous learning. A celebration of Jane's life will be held on Friday, January 11 at 2:00pm at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her honor to Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.
Although I did not know your mother, I know how hard it is to lose a parent. She sounds like a wonderful woman! May you take comfort in knowing that she and your father are reunited.
Blessings. Grace. Peace.