Joseph Byerly Mann

Mann, Joseph Byerly
Relief worker, local volunteer and ceramicist, Joseph Byerly Mann of Tempe, passed away at home on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, at the age of 75. Since his retirement in 2002 as director of the mental health agency People-Service-Action (formerly the Presbyterian Service Agency), he traveled widely with the Friendship Force (a people-to-people travel group), volunteered at local PBS television station fund drives, served two terms on the City of Tempe's Human Relations Commission, and hand-crafted ceramic bowls for Tempe Empty Bowls, a project to provide support in the fight against hunger. As a certified mental health specialist with the American Red Cross, he served at national disaster sites helping victims cope with the aftermath. He recently returned from New Jersey where he helped the victims of hurricane Sandy. Joe was an active member of the Desert Palm United Church of Christ. His artistic talents extended beyond pottery to silver craftsmanship and photography. The son of the late Carl and Dorcas Mann, Joe was born May 11, 1937, in Decatur, Indiana, and attended Lancaster High School in Indiana. He earned degrees from Manchester College in Indiana and Michigan State University, where he received his master's degree in social work. He was given an Emeritus award from the Arizona Association of Behavioral Health Programs in 2002. Joe is survived by his beloved daughters, Jayne (Robb) Hlawek of Alpharetta, Ga., Julie Mann (Gerry Charlebois) of Kauai, Hawaii and Jolene (Jeff) Senn of Oscoda, Mich.; his grandchildren, Michelle (Ben) LaBrosse, Robert Hlawek, Stephanie Hlawek, Paige Senn and Erin Senn, and his three brothers and two sisters: Patrick (Annette) Mann, Dennis (Linda) Mann, Tim (Sherry) Mann, Julia (R.D.) Wolheter and Becky (Bruce) Copeland as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former wife, Joyce Mann of Chico, Ca. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Sat., Feb. 16, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Desert Palm United Church of Christ, 1230 E. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe, AZ. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the American Red Cross, the United Food Bank of Arizona or Desert Palms United Church of Christ. Arrangements entrusted to Tempe Mortuary.