Helen Griffin Manning
Helen Griffin Manning, 92, of Danville, VA passed away peacefully at her home on October 29, 2024, surrounded by her family. Helen was born March 31, 1932 in Bethel, NC, the daughter of Robert and Lela Hawkins Griffin. She graduated from Bethel High School in 1950 where she received many awards of academic achievement. Helen married Vernon Ray Manning on March 17, 1951 and shared 30 years of marriage before his untimely passing. She was also a loving and devoted mother to her only son, Jerry Ray Manning, Sr. who brought her great pride and joy throughout her life.
Helen worked as a bookkeeper for many years with Virginia Plywood. She moved to Whittle Plywood Corp. when it opened in 1964 and worked there as the office manager until her retirement in 1985. Helen enjoyed many years of performing with the Sweet Adelines singing group where she shared her gift of song with others. She was also a member of Lighthouse Bible Church where she enjoyed worshiping and the fellowship of her church family for many years.
Helen spent her life after retiring, taking care of her home, her farm, and her family. She enjoyed traveling with her grandchildren to visit family in North Carolina and with groups of friends to see many new places. She enjoyed cooking, reading, working in the yard, and watching sports, specifically Braves baseball and Duke basketball. Helen loved to take care of people and she helped anyone who needed it. If you were a friend of Helen’s you could count on a regular phone call to check in and these will be greatly missed by all. She was a tiny but mighty woman who would pull you in for a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Remaining to cherish Helen’s memory are her granddaughter Paige Wilkinson (Todd); grandson Jerry Ray Manning, Jr. (Blair); her daughter in law Pamela J. Manning; and her beloved great grandchildren Susannah Wilkinson, Colt Wilkinson, Cooper Manning, and Colin Manning. Her sister Faye G. Adams of Greenville, NC, numerous nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends.
Preceding Helen in death are her husband, Vernon Ray Manning; son Jerry Ray Manning, Sr.; six sisters and two brothers.
Visitation will be held Saturday November 9, 2024, at 1:00PM at Norris Funeral Home West End Chapel. Memorial service will be held at 2:00PM following the visitation. Interment will be at Danville Memorial Gardens immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to God’s Pit Crew.
