Helen Ruth Benefield Manning was born February 5, 1936, to Earl Lamar and Ruth Ann Kidd Benefield. She grew up in the Lone Star/Shady Grove community. She was married to Billy Joe Manning and had five children. She was a member of Fredonia Baptist Church. Helen Manning embodied the Proverbs 31 woman. Mother raised us to respect our elders, tell the truth, love God, and one another. She loved her children and would do whatever she could to help every one of them. That also meant telling them how to live by God’s word. She saw opportunities to invest in land, sell timber to support herself and to provide for her children’s future. She visited and took meals to the sick and elderly. As a widow at 57 she learned to drive because she never wanted to be a burden on anyone. Our dear Mother was hospitable to all who came to her home, sometimes feeding many more than she anticipated and making sure everyone felt welcome. She was kindhearted to all and turned the other cheek as we are taught to imitate Christ by responding to injury without revenge. She was busy with her hands and made sure each of her children had beautiful handmade quilts. Mother loved flowers and was often in her yard planting or moving flowers. She shared her flowers with others and could tell you if they were originally from another family member which made them all the more special. Fredonia Baptist Church kept in touch and visited her long after she was housebound. There are several special ladies who called and visited her, and we all appreciate the love and care you have shown to our Mother. You are true friends – God bless you! We all worked together to honor Mother’s wishes to remain in her home as long as it was possible. She was admitted to UCHR in 2022 and was blessed to have the best roommate possible, Mrs. Shirley McMillen Rutledge. Thanks to all the staff at UCHR and Arden Hospice for the care given to our precious Mother.
She is survived by a brother, Harold Lynn Benefield, her children; Donna Sullivan (Preston), Richard Manning (Elena), Steve Manning (Donna), and Terry Manning (Renee); 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death is her husband, Billy Joe Manning; her son, Ray Allen Manning; parents, Earl and Ruth Benefield; brothers, Byron and Quay Benefield; and granddaughters, Ginger Manning and Deborah Hill.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 3PM Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc with Bro. Keith Benefield officiating. Visitation will begin at 1PM and continue to service time. Burial will follow in Martin Cemetery. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc.
