Mable Mann Wheatle

Mabel was the cherished second child and the first daughter among six siblings born to Chauncey E. Mann, Sr. and Celestine Beach Mann. From a young age, she and her brothers and sister were embraced by the community at Zion Baptist Church, where attending Sunday School and church services was an integral part of their family life. Mabel's educational journey began at Phenix School, where she thrived from first grade through to her graduation in 1952. Following high school, she pursued further education at Peninsula Business College before serving four years in the Air Force, a time that undoubtedly shaped her strong character. After her military service, she made the bold move to New York City, where she would spend over twenty years of her life.
In New York, Mabel joined the Alfred E. Knobler Company as a clerk typist and eventually retired as an office manager, a testament to her remarkable work ethic that served her well throughout her life. During her time in the city, she became a member of Abyssinian Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir under the leadership of the esteemed Adam Clayton Powell. Mabel's love for music matched her passion for knitting, a skill she taught herself and mastered. She also discovered a love for bowling, traveling with her team to national tournaments, and she found joy in cheering for her favorite football and baseball teams, proudly supporting the Giants and the Dodgers until they left New York.
Upon retiring from the Knobler Company, Mabel returned to Hampton, where she reconnected with old friends and cultivated new relationships. The family remained central to her life; she rarely engaged in activities without including her siblings and their families. It didn't take long for her to find her place in retail, where her strong work ethic shone through, making her a beloved employee wherever she went. Mabel resumed bowling, joined the senior choir, and participated in the Women's Day Choir at Zion Baptist Church. She also became an active Relay For Life Team member, dedicating her time and energy to raise funds for the Cancer Association, reflecting her generous spirit.
Mabel was preceded in death by her loving parents and three brothers: Chauncey E. Mann, Jr., Thomas C. Mann Sr., and Robert E. Mann. She leaves behind a legacy of love and remembrance in the hearts of her brother, Ira K. Mann (Mary), her sister, Vivian M. Walker, her sister-in-love, Betty Jean Mann, and her four nieces and four nephews. Additionally, she is fondly remembered by her grandnephews and nieces, cousins, and a wide circle of friends who were touched by her warmth and kindness. Mabel's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, dedication, and community, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
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