Sylvia Ann Welch Manning

I was so sad to hear of Mrs. Manning's passing. She was a very special woman and I will never forget her. When I wanted to try out for the cheerleading team in high school, she coached me on my routines until they were perfect. She wouldn't even allow me to think that I might not make the squad. I won the tryout, probably in large part to her coaching. Mrs. Manning made a big impact in my life in my early years. She taught me how to prepare mentally and physically for a successful outcome. This coaching has helped me in all aspects of life, and has even influenced my career as a professional musician in New York. She imparted invaluable life skills, and taught them with love. Twenty six years later I still use the tools she gave me and think of her fondly. Thank you, Mrs. Manning for your wonderful guidance, support and mentorship. Much love to her family, Claire

My Uncle Jim Manning is an inspiration to all....
Devoted father and husband.
All our love

To the Manning family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I reflect on fond memories of working with Mrs. Manning and her staff at the summer camps at Victoria College. She left a wonderful impact on all her students and the community. Her smile, enthusiasm and determination will be missed by all. My sincere sympathy to you all.

Thinking of your family! Your Mom was a wonderful lady....I smile thinking back at some of the conversations I remember having with her at the gym window! She was precious!!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Manning family. I know she was loved by many and will be remembered as a remarkable lady. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Peace, Prayers and Blessings.

What a great soul. I spent MANY hours dancing and being under her guidance. I started dancing with her in Dacosta in Elementary School in late 60's or early 70's and did not stop until the end of High School. She was always providing loving guidance with a big smile. She loved all of us. She had a huge heart and was so Happy with life. She touched so many of us. I Loved her dearly. I am praying you are comforted knowing she gave all. I am sorry for your loss.

I will miss her sound advice and spiritual perspective.
My Aunt Sylvia was deeply loved by me, we all loved deeper because of her.
Niece Trisha
San Antonio

34 yrs ago I met Mrs. Manning and the things I would learn in the next two years would be carried through my life as a husband, father and christian. She controlled the room with her presence, loved us with her heart and led with an example like no other. She was there during breakups, prom night and during the loss of classmates. Her living room and studio was always open, from the Odd Fellows Hall to the studio out back, but her girls rooms were off limits!!! It has been years since I moved away but it seems like yesterday that she was investing in my life. I will meet you in heaven I will be the one who is dancing with two left feet. My love and prayers I send to the family!

Dear Jim and Family,
We are so sad to hear about Sylvia's passing. Living in California we only corresponded infrequently but we enjoyed our phone conversations. So glad we were able to see her on one of her visits to San Francisco and also to share her genealogy research about the Welch family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we'll be thinking of you on Tuesday -- wish we could be there.
Our condolences,
Pat and cousin Bill Welch

I got to really know Aunt Sylvia just as my grandmother (Marjorie Wasserman) passed. Aunt Sylvia was just the kind of person who "adopted" other people. She certainly took me under her wing the first time we saw each other again, which I will be eternally grateful for. She texted me all the time from Texas to New Jersey, calling me both times she was on the East Coast. She brought a smile to my day every time we talked -- because that was just the kind of person she was. Always a smile and a hug in her voice. She was larger than life, and I will miss her greatly. Love and blessings to all her family and friends.

Mark ands Family,

I am very sorry for your loss.

We met Sylvia through our store and found her to be a wonderful, strong, honest woman. You always knew where you stood with her. I know you will all miss her very much and our sympathies and prayers go out to all of you.

Can't believe Aunt Slyvia has passed. What a beautiful person she was and what a legacy she left. My heart goes out to the family and everyone she touched.

I met Sylvia when our children were young and they went through the gymnastics and loved it. She always made it fun for them and they learned alot too. I know she is a Godly lady because of what she has passed down to her family and children. Today I am proud to say we now have our granddaughters in Mannings Gymnastics and they have loved it as much as their parents did. She and the family today have truly been an inspiration in our lives, in more ways than one. Dedication, Perseverance and Commitment in all they do. I pray the Lord be with her family at this time and help them heal. The great memories are priceless!
Lisa Jenkins Victoria

My prayers are with the family at this time... Spend many years learning tap,ballet, and jazz from Mrs Manning at DaCosta...she will be missed...

Sylvia was such a wonderful person. She taught many children to love dance and was such an example. I feel blessed to have share years with her at the old and new Da Costa hall. What wonderful memories. God bless all of her family and pray for them to remember she is "God's Special Angel."

She had the same beautiful smile now as when I knew her as one of her dance students at Dacosta many years ago. Prayers & my sincerest condolences to her family.

Though we have never met since I have been an adult, I am proud to be a part of the Manning family clan; maybe one of these days I will meet all my cousins that live in Victoria and surrounding area.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Manning family during this difficult time. Ms. Manning will always hold a special place in our hearts for her dedication to the thousands of children's lives she has enhanced through dance & cheer. I know she is dancing with the angels now.