Audrey Charlene McManus

1920 - 2021

Audrey Charlene (Sikes) McManus

Scottsdale - Audrey went to Heaven on July 2, 2021, she was born over 100 years ago on November 22, 1920 in Terlton, Oklahoma to Henry and Ida (Masters) Sikes. She was the youngest of three children; Zealia who was 10 years older and Willie who was 7 years older. She adored them both and wanted to be with them all of the time, she readily confessed that she was a PITB to them.

Audrey graduated from Haskell High then moved to Dallas for medical schooling, ran out of money and moved to Tulsa for work, she ended up at Barrows Business College. She then opened a restaurant proudly known as "Audrey's Kitchen" in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After a few years she went to work for Dowell, Inc., a major supplier of oil field equipment. While there she became an active member of the "Desk and Derrick Club of America" (made up of women in the oil industry) and traveled to all major cities speaking ang giving demonstrations promoting products made from oil called "The Magic Suitcase", this allowed her to travel and she did - seeing Mickey Mantle at Yankee Stadium, the Kentucky Derby and all major cities and monuments while still finding time for golf and bridge. It was during this time she also became the in-home caregiver for her mother, who had suffered a stroke.

Audrey moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1963, joining her sister's family who'd settled here in 1946, to get some help with Mom and to work for Royal Engineering, she then joined Ingleside Baptist Church. Pastor Don Reed, who was mission minded announced in 1967 that he wanted to start a mission "way out on Scottsdale Road", and invited any who wanted to join him in this venture to meet with him on the property for a prayer service. Audrey was excited and went to pray. She wrote "There were 13 of us who met. What a sight, 9-acres of broken-down old lodge, formerly Kiami lodge…a few casitas…and weeds as tall as your head". It was at this time that North Scottsdale Baptist Church was born. She mentions this event more that all others and says "I served the Lord there for many, many years". This Church is now known as the First Southern Baptist Church of Scottsdale.

In 1964 she and William "Mac" McManus married and in 1967 she decided to try Real Estate, studied, and got her license. She sold at Clements Realty for 10-12 years. In 1978 Audrey decided that she wanted to be a Physician's Assistant and went to school, was trained and certified then went to work at Doctors Hospital on 20th Street & Thomas Road. In 1994 she left for Southwest Reflections and other retail stores in Old Town Scottsdale. She retired at the age of 89 in early 2010

Audrey was a true caregiver, providing end-of-life care to her mother, her husband and then her sister. She was a witness for Jesus Christ wherever she went, since childhood she'd known Him as her Savior. When she met anyone for the first time, "Where do you go to Church?" was always a question she'd ask.

After a series of heart attacks in 1993 her family was told twice "We've lost her and aren't sure we can bring her back", she frequently repeated "I have often wondered why the Lord brought me back, could it be that something I could say or do to turn someone who is lost to the Saving Grace and power of Jesus - that is why it should be about Him, not me. He must have all the glory for anything I might have said or done."

Audrey is survived by her 4 nephews James "Jim" Smith, "Fatso" Sikes, Leon Sikes, Charles "Charlie" Smith, and multiple dozens of great, great, great, and great, great, great nephews and nieces and their spouses. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband William "Mac" McManus, her sister Zealia (Sikes) Smith and brother Willie Sikes.

A Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, July 10, 2021 at First Southern Baptist Church, Scottsdale. Donations in her name can be made to the First Southern Baptist Church, 5230 N Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ. 85253.