RUSSELL — Geraldine (“Gerry”) Mae (Pike) Manning passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 5, 2016.
Gerry is survived by her lifelong soulmate and loving husband of 67 years, Thomas Manning. She was a mother to three children – Valerie & Douglas Beachard of Russell, Douglas & Vicki Manning of Hermon, and Timothy & Tracy Manning of Apalachin; and a foster daughter, Linda Devore of Edwards. She was a grandmother to 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and six great, great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three brothers, Arland Pike, John Pike and Richard Pike; and a sister-in-law, Lowena Bristol.
She was pre-deceased by both her parents (Urbane & Mable Pike); and her three sisters, (Louise Chase, Lucille (Tealie) Hewlett, and baby sister, Vivian).
Gerry was born in South Russell, in May 10, 1931, a daughter of Urbane and Mabel (VanSant) Pike and graduated from Knox Memorial Central School in 1949.
She married the man of her dreams with whom she would build her life and family around on June 18, 1949 on the front porch of her parent’s home with Rev. George Pilbeam as celebrant.
Gerry’s nurturing and loving personality showed through with the birth of her 3 children and extended far beyond to the many foster children, which she and Tom welcomed with open arms into their home and family.
Besides dedicating her life to her marriage and raising a family, she worked for the Knox Memorial Central School district until retirement where she then focused solely on her family.
Gerry was a devout Christian and demonstrated her faith through her long-standing devotion to the Russell United Methodist Church serving in many roles including teaching children about Jesus, singing in the choir, preparing her special “chicken & biscuits” for the monthly church suppers, and hosting multiple bible study groups.
She was also a very talented individual – her love for music was revealed through her numerous years as organist for the Russell United Methodist Church, as well as playing her guitar and leading sing-a-longs for family and friends around her.
She was also a den mother for Russell Boy Scouts and a member of the Democratic Club.
Gerry had many other passions as well, including ceramics, knitting and crocheting. She was a sewing master and this talent allowed her to lovingly make a wedding gown for her granddaughter and quilts for each of her children.
She was steadfast in her love for her family and friends. Whether it was a graduation, wedding, anniversary, birthday or funeral, the Manning household was the hub of celebration with Gerry leading the charge.
Even as her eyesight deteriorated over recent years, her faith and love for her family kept her strong and she never let it stand in the way of continuing to be the core of her family.
She will be dearly missed and irreplaceable, but will always be here through her everlasting love and influence over us all.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 9 from 4-7 p.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 21 Park Street, Canton.
Her funeral will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Russell United Methodist Church with Lay Minister John Frary officiating.
Burial will follow in South Russell Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Gerry’s memory to either Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley or the Russell United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org.