Shirley Mae Manning

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me" Psalms 23:4 NIV God sent His infinite love into this world on April 17, 1938, in the form of Mrs. Shirley Mae Colston. Shirley was born to the late Artis and Lillie Colston in the city of Bogalusa, Louisiana. She was joined in holy matrimony to Mr. Joseph Ralph Manning. Their lives felt complete and was enriched with the addition of their daughter Bianca Nicole Manning. "Nikki" was their greatest representation of love, joy, and unity. They trained her up with a keen sense of kindness, humility and the knowledge of sincere reverence to God. Shirley was a proud member of the Blue and Gold Spartan community known to all Bogalusa as the Central Memorial High School. She was a graduate of the awesome class of 1957. She continued her education as a student at Southern University of Baton Rouge. She returned to her hometown of Bogalusa to begin he professional career. This quest led her into the history books of this small town. Shirley was hired as the first African American salesclerk of the former J. C. Penney. She worked with a sense of pride and honor and was a beacon of hope to all people of color who visited the store. Her beaming smile and warm welcome allowed others to feel a sense of hope as they shopped throughout the store. She often shared her story of this historical time of deep racial tension in the city and would reminisce about the need to be escorted to work by members of the Bogalusa Deacons of Defense. Upon retirement from J. C. Penney in 1998 she returned home to care for her mother and to work in her amazingly beautiful yard. The entire community can attest to care, daily devotion, and wholehearted commitment to her lush green grass and "Twin Oaks" trees which welcomed her family into the entrance of their well-manicured front yard. Shirley also became a "Nana" and was the nurturing grandmother who reared her first grandchild Jasmine. As a child her spiritual growth was began at White Hall Baptist Church in Moton Quarters. As she moved to the Southside of the city during her adult life, she joined Bethlehem Baptist church under the leadership of Reverend Aaron J. Thompson, Sr. During her years of service at Bethlehem she worked enthusiastically in the children's Sunday school as the teacher of class #7. Her soprano voice led her to the music ministry, and she exhibited this love of singing as a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church Inspirational and Senior choirs. Her voice would carry gracefully during the citywide singing conventions to which she was deeply committed. Shirley was welcomed into eternal rest on Monday September 1st, 2025, while at her home at "600", which was her last request to her daughter, Nikki and granddaughter, Jasmine. Shirley was welcomed home by her parents, Artis and Lille Colston and her husband, Joseph Ralph Manning. She also left her legacy of love to her daughter, Bianca (Jerome) Short; her granddaughter, Jasmine; grandsons, Joseph and Kevin; great grandchildren, I'bree, Devin, Heaven, Aubree, Isaiah, Davi'Yauna, Raylynn, and Endeya; siblings, Gary Colston and Gary Dale Colston; and A special niece, Tawanna (Anthony) Champagne. They will always carry forward her love, values and spirit. Shirley found joy in the simple blessing of life including working in her yard and enjoying her fun road trips shopping and eating with her friend, Mrs. Georgia Short. Shirley lived her life to its entirety, and we celebrate her departure home to her Heavenly Father. She will be missed by many and cherished forever in the hearts of her family and friends. It is with this joy that her family celebrates and accepts her transition to eternal rest. Her faithfulness, kindness, and devotion to God will never be forgotten. Though our hearts and heavy, we find comfort in her infamous smile and legacy of love and service to her family. This charge of love and unity will live on in her descendants. Nana, get your rest!! A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 11:00AM – 1:00PM followed by the funeral service for 1:00PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Christopher Matthews – Pastor Officiating. Interment will be held at the Bogalusa Cemetery. Crain and Sons Funeral Home – Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements. Please sign guestbook at www.crainandsons.com. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Shirley Mae Manning, please click here to visit our sympathy store.