On Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, our dear Sonseeharay (Schroeder) Manker, adored wife of Gary Manker and the beloved mother of Kevin Mixon and Kaeti Milton, was called Home by our awesome Savior, Jesus Christ. Her loving husband affectionately tagged her with the nickname “Jackpot”, because he knew that in her he’d at last found a treasure worth more than life itself. She was his playmate, lover, confidante, all round “bestest bud”, and, above all, his soul mate. A kinder, more considerate, compassionate and decent human being has never lived. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew and loved her. Sonseeharay is an Apache Indian name meaning “Morningstar”, a character (the niece of the famous Apache chief, Cochise) in the Jimmy Stewart film “Broken Arrow”. It is an apt name, for anyone who steers his life toward this Morningstar cannot help but be the better person for it. Sonsee is survived by her husband, her children, step daughters Barbara Sitton and Bernadette Meyers and six grandchildren. Kevin’s daughter, Karlee, and his two sons, Camron and Ethan, know her fondly by the nickname Gigi. Barbara’s daughters, Maria and Veronica, and her son Jes, know her simply as Grandma. Sonsee also leaves five brothers and sisters, her mother (Vivian), and her sister-in-law, Phyllis and her husband Jerry. As for her husband, Gary, well the following was penned shortly before her death: Our Lord’s grace has brought me home, To be near our Savior, seated on His throne. There in blessed peace will I abide, With my loving husband, forever, side by side. “Together forever in Christ Jesus” It was Sonsee’s and Gary’s wish that, rather than holding memorial services, any who wish to honor her should merely (privately and simply) hold a celebration of her life, focusing on the good things and forgetting the negatives. Life is too short to do otherwise. As for Sonsee, ’tis a far, far better place she goes to than she has ever been. At last, she is free of pain and suffering, and, most importantly, she is now in loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. There she now basks in the glow of His peace that pas seth all understanding. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Faith Lutheran Church, 660 Gillespie Rd., Madison, AL 35758. Tel: (256)-830-5600.
