Grace Emery Manning

Grace Emery Manning of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on September 9, 2024, at the age of 89. 

Grace was born October 16, 1934, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Rexford and Natalie (Spencer) Emery. She resided in Saginaw her entire life, and was married to the late Dr. J.E. Manning.

Grace graduated from Saginaw High School in 1952. Throughout her life she enjoyed meeting for lunch at Levi’s once a month with her former classmates. After a career of many years, Grace retired from the Saginaw Valley Blood Program and remained there for many more years as a volunteer. Her service to the Saginaw community continued throughout the active years of her life, volunteering over 600 hours for the Saginaw General Auxiliary and for 16 years at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo. 

As a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church, Grace served as a board member where she met her husband Dr. J.E. Manning. He predeceased her following a lengthy illness, where she was at his side daily for 9 years at Luther Manor. 

For approximately 30 years Grace sang in the Church Chancel Choir, directed the Children’s Primary Choir, assisted with the Junior High Choirs, taught Confirmation, greeted and ushered the congregation, served communion, and was a candy maker. Grace served as President and Secretary for the Bridget Fuller Circle and Women’s Fellowship, and was the flower chairman for 18 years. Grace held many cherished friendships through the church.

Grace loved and spoiled her three cats Archie, Blue, and Maggie. They all predeceased her, leaving a void in her life.

Grace was an avid sports fan with a memory that was sharp as a tack. She enjoyed watching and conversing about sports with her nephews.

With the changes that aging brings, Grace took each difficult life challenge with acceptance, poise, and resilience. She spent her final years at Great Lakes Rehab Center in Saginaw, where she and her family appreciated the kindness, excellent care, and friendships of the staff and residents.

Grace leaves nieces and nephews Becky P. (Timothy) Sullivan of Thomas Township, David E. (Kimberly) Prine of Fowlerville, Andrew W. (Susan) Prine of Saginaw; five great-nieces and great nephews Ryan Sullivan, Margaret Krzyzaniak, William and Zachary Prine, Sarah Prine, and one step-niece Brionna Davies; six great-great nieces and great-great nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Dr. J.E. Manning; her parents Rexford and Natalie Emery; her sister Joan Emery Prine and Joan’s husband William O. Prine, her brother James S. Emery and James’ wife Patricia Emery.

Grace had an especially close relationship with her beloved sister “Joey”, who always made sure that her “little sister Grace” was loved, included in all family gatherings, and well looked after. In that Grace had no children of her own, she had special relationships with her nieces and nephews, as well as their spouses and children. She was a loving and attentive aunt who in return was loved and will be missed.

The family will hold a private family memorial with burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the First Congregational Church of Saginaw or the Saginaw Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square. Arrangements were entrusted to W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories of Grace by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com, where her life tribute video may be viewed as well.