William H. Manson Jr.

William Henry Manson Jr., was born in Martin County on May 3, 1925, to Artimissie Tyner Manson and William Henry Manson. His earthly journey ended after 88 years of life on February 27, 2014, at the Williamston House Assisted Living Facility in Williamston, NC after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.
William was raised on his grandfather’s farm in the Tyner Community and went to Williamston Colored High School where he graduated in 1944. He joined Back Swamp Church of Christ (DOC) at the age of 8 years old and served faithfully as a Sunday school teacher and Church Treasurer until his health began to decline. He furthered his education at North Carolina College at Durham (now North Carolina Central University) and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Science in 1948.
Upon returning to Martin County, he had several jobs and eventually ended up teaching and coaching at John B. Bond in Lewiston, NC. This is where he met and married the former Emeline Bazemore. They were married on April 12, 1952. They reared two daughters, Jacqueline Manson (deceased) and Keisha Manson.
William did further studies at New York University, UCLA and NC A&T State University.
William also shared his teaching ability in Martin County, where he spent many years teaching at East End School in Robersonville and later he became an attendance counselor for Martin County. In his spare time, he also served as a sports official.
In April 1964 he and Emeline started Manson Mortuary, Inc., and served many families through the years. They both worked diligently and faithfully until 2012 when they released the business to their daughter, Keisha Manson.
Through the years William served on numerous boards and received many awards. Two of his most notable positions were serving 20 years on the Martin County Board of Commissioners and serving on the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service. Other professional memberships include District, State and National Memberships of the Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc., Retired Teachers Association, National Association of County Commissioners, Past President of the District and State Association of Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Life Memberships of NAACP, NCCU Alumni, Trustee of Martin Community College, Eastern Carolina Vocational Center, Martin Enterprises, Martin County Red Cross, Martin County United Way, Martin County Board of Social Service, Martin County Recreation Committee, Martin County Democratic Party and Washington Norfolk District Assembly Board of Trustees.
He and Emeline were truly a “unique� couple. They loved traveling together, along with their crew, and their travels took them all over the United States. They loved working together and living their lives and running the business together. She was the “Apple of his Eye� and he was the “Sugar in her Coffee.� They were inseparable until Sept. 20, 2012, when Emeline went on to be with the Lord.
Left to treasure his memories are Keisha Manson of the home; two grandchildren, Isaac J. Veale and Sarina F. Veale, both students at NC A&T State University, special cousins, Frances and Victor Haley of Williamston; devoted and traveling friends, Paul and Elsie Jones of Williamston, NC, and a host of cousins and devoted employees Darien Jerome Evans, Paul Jones and Annie Bryant.
A viewing/visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2014, from 2-7 p.m. at Manson Mortuary, Inc., and on Monday, March 3, 2014 from 1-2 p.m. at Cedar Hill Baptist Church in Williamston, NC.
The service will be held on Monday, March 3, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Cedar Hill Baptist Church with Elder Derrick L. Wilkins officiating. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Repast will follow at Back Swamp Church of Christ (DOC) Williamston, NC. Online condolences at mansonmortuary.com.