DEBORAH ANNE MANNING

Deborah Anne Manning passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at the age of 66. She was born on October 13, 1949, in South Carolina, and as an infant, was adopted by William and Dorothy Paul and raised in New Jersey. She earned an Associate degree from Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, VA, a Bachelor's Degree from Radford University in Radford, VA and taught kindergarten in Alexandria and Fredericksburg, VA. She moved to Fresno, CA when her husband was transferred here. She became a preschool teacher and director for Head Start at Orange Center and then Funston and earned her California teaching credential at Fresno State College. She earned her reading specialist credential and master's degree at Fresno Pacific College. She taught for Fresno Unified School District at Dailey Elementary School for 16 years. She was known as an exceptionally gifted teacher who created an exciting learning environment her students. She filled her classroom with books as well as all sorts of fascinating materials. Over the years many students have returned to see her, thanking her for their experiences in her classroom. She taught in the School of Education at Fresno Pacific University as well at California State University Fresno. She was noted for her expertise in children's literature and inspired many teachers with her joy and enthusiasm in ways to engage students with a wide range of texts. Debbie was co-owner of Petunia's Place, a bookstore for children and young adults where she worked after retiring. There she inspired more readers, both adults and children. She took great delight in helping reluctant readers find just the right book to engage them and talking with avid readers about books they enjoyed. Debbie was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, William and Dorothy Paul. She is survived by her dear Fresno family, Jean and Patrick Fennacy, and their numerous relatives who embraced her as family. These include Michael and Patti Fennacy and their children, Austin, Nathan, Luke and Cole, David Lynch, Mary Helen Letson and Brian Letson. She was grateful for the medical attention she received at CCare and, in particular, from Dr. Pescuzzo along with Marcela, Irene and Stephanie. A Memorial Service will be held at St. James Cathedral on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Valley Public Radio, 2589 Alluvial, Clovis, CA 93611; or Cat House on the Kings, 7120 S. Kings River Rd., Parlier, CA 93648.