Betty Jean Mannering, 83, of Odessa, earned her heavenly wings on December 12, 2014 in the early morning light. She was greeted at heaven's gate by her husband Samuel E Mannering whom she married on December 20, 1952 in Abilene, Texas. Their hearts are one again.
Betty was born on July 14, 1931 in Thalia, Texas to William P. and Willie Mae Derington. Since her father had to travel with his job, she went to many different schools - sometimes three different schools in one school year until she reached high school age, when her oldest sisters insisted she live with them and finish school. She graduated from Abilene High School in 1949.
She and Sam met at the travelling rolling rink where he worked as a bouncer and she loved to dance on roller skates. Soon, Sam entered into the Navy and Betty stayed in Abilene, working to save money and pining away for her sailor. While on leave, Betty and Sam were married at her mother's home and then left for California to live until his discharge. In 1957, they moved to Odessa, Texas. Betty worked in banking until her retirement from First National Bank as Vice President over Transit.
After retirement Betty and Sam travelled throughout the US always coming home to Odessa. Her real love though, was the time she and Sam spent at the American Legion where both of them were life time members. Being a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Betty proudly served for 40 years in various capacities. She was patriotic right down to the bottom of her red, white and blue soul. Betty loved her country and was proud to serve. She had many friends there and loved spending time with them. Her passions were Christmas at the VA in Big Spring, Poppy sales, Girls State and working side by side with her running buddy at the snack bar selling popcorn and candy on Saturday nights for the Cancer Society.
Betty was an amazing mother to her three children and their families whom she leaves behind: daughters - Sue Ann Nelson and life partner Frances Beaurivage of Lincoln, NE, Jo Lea Stewart and husband Edward of Odessa and son - Mac Lester Mannering and life partner Jack Nathan Harding of Los Angeles, CA. Grandchildren: Alexis Logan and husband Ken, Chase Nelson and wife Jayne, James Stewart and wife Jamie, Carrie Grigg and husband Jackson, and Adam Mannering. Great Grandchildren: Jonathan and Sydney Logan, Adaline (Addie) Nelson and Luke Stewart. She also leaves behind one brother-in-law: Tom Mannering of Corpus Christi, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sisters Geneva Dennis, Ona Faye Holton, Irene Lawson and Frances Boil and brothers Arthur D Derington and Alvin Derington.
Special thanks to Terra, Patty, Rita, and Ken of Nurses Ex and the staff of Home Hospice.
The family will receive friends, Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 at Frank Wilson Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held in Odessa at Frank Wilson Funeral Home's chapel on Thursday December 18, 2014 starting at 10am officiated by Dr. Jimmy Braswell and Graveside services will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel, Texas at 2pm