Arvilla Manning

She was united in holy matrimony to Clide Nunley. To this union, one child was born, Lois Marie Nunley. Mother Manning gave her life to Christ as a teenager in Furlow café, where she danced out of her shoes and was filled with the Holy Spirit. She became a faithful member at Plum Street Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder L.C. Cook. In 1960, she married Jack Manning, who later became Elder Manning, and she served as the First Lady at Miles Memorial Church of God in Christ; they were married for 46 years until he departed this earth. Mother Manning became a member of the Bouldware Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop J. E. Bouldware; where later, Elder Kelly Owens was promoted to Pastor of the Church; he elected Mother Manning to spearhead the roof project at the church that was completed through her leadership. Looking and listening to Lord, Mother Manning was promoted to Evangelist Missionary. Mother Manning was selected as the Pastor and 1st Lady Owens gift committee president at the Church.

Missionary Arvilla Manning was knowledgeable of God's word and became a Sunday School Teacher. She also served as Y.P.W.W. President (young people willing worker) for a number of years. She served on the executive board and was responsible for helping with the business of the church. She was a praise conductor and could dance for the Lord with the best of the best. She was a cook for the church and was known for her delicious pound cake. Mother Arvilla Manning helped start the Greater El Dorado District and became the first District Missionary. Missionary/Mother Arvilla Manning was a servant for the Lord and a leader of women. One of the most important job titles she had was "PRAYER WARRIOR." When Mother Manning prayed, it seemed like God stopped what he was doing and listened to her. In closing, she was a godly woman that loved the Lord and her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Honor Smith Sr. and Louella Milladge, and her husband, Elder Jack Manning; one sister, Johnnie B. Williams; and four brothers: Honor Smith Jr., Phillip Smith, Michael Smith, and George Thompson. Her legacy will live on through her daughter: Lois Marie of El Dorado, AR, and five sisters: Pinky Washington of Athens, La; Catherine Thompson of Lisbon, La; Sallie Smith-Evans (Felton) of Grambling, La; Gussie Smith of Dallas, Tx, and Margie Smith of Homer, La. One brother John Henry Smith (Sheila) of Dallas, Tx, five grandchildren: Laquita Rester- Tibbs, Sharmon Rester (Cassundra), Dameca Rester-McDaniel (Dee), Darron Rester, Sandi Bailey, all of El Dorado, AR, her great grands: Qa'Taveus Kemp, Brandon Rester, De'Shawn Neely, Shamondra Rester, Sharmon Rester II, Damarian Rester, Damecia McDaniel, Kylon Murphy, Daraji McDaniel, Daylon McDaniel, great-great -grands: Serenity Rester and Landyn Rester, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.