Funeral services for Essie Nealy Manning, 102, of Marshall, Texas, will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Downs Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-7 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2014, and the wake will be from 7-8 p.m. also at Downs Funeral Home. Essie was born January 17, 1912 in Carthage, Texas to the late Dennis & Louisa Nealy. She was raised in the Shady Grove Community. As an adult she married Ocie Manning, to whom she was married for 55 years before his death in 1989. No children were born to this union. However, she affectionately referred to his nieces and nephews by saying, "They're all my children!" She lived in Berkley, California for many years while married and a short time after becoming a widow, and then she returned to Marshall, Texas in 1998. She worked for Montgomery Ward for many years. Later she engaged in her passion, becoming an independent seamstress and specialized in making bridesmaids gowns for wedding parties. Her hobbies included gardening, working in her yard, and spending time with family, especially playing dominoes regularly. She didn't look like the typical player. She was cunning, sweet, manipulative and full of charm but she'd whip your socks off with dignity and grace. And then meekly smile. She was a class act! She leaves to cherish great and loving memories, her 97 year old sister, Georgia Rosborough and a host of loving relatives and friends. Online guestbook available at: www.downsfuneralhome.com