Manwana Vanessa Harvey

Manwana Vanessa Harvey was born on August 13, 1958, the first of six children, to the union of Rev. Thomas Lee Harvey & Shirley Faye Harvey (Flowers), in Chicago, IL; both preceding her in death.
Manwana accepted Christ as her Savior at the early age of 5 and was baptized at Greater Hope of Faith in Chicago, IL, later becoming St. James Industrial M.B. Church under the pastorship of her Godparents, Rev. Harden Perkins and Sis. Grace Perkins.
At an early age, Manwana went to live with and was raised by her maternal grandparents, Calvin & Ruth Ann Adams in Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood. She attended Walter Q. Gresham Elementary School and graduated from Calumet High School. In high school she excelled in track & field, her main events being the 4 x100 meter relay, and the 100-meter and 400-meter hurdles. She was also active with the band where she served as a majorette.
Wana, as she was affectionately known, was a very talented young lady, who loved to sing, and was a member of her church choir. Her love of gospel music and service to God led to the formation of the Christway Singers, a gospel music trio consisting of her and her two sisters. Under the direction of her grandmother, The Christway Singers ministered throughout the city of Chicago, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
Having spent almost all of her summer vacations in Muskogee, OK, following the passing of her great-grandmother Lela Flowers moved into the home in 1984 and stayed for a few years,. After moving back to Chicago, she ultimately relocated to Muskogee in 1996 continuing the family's membership with Central Missionary Baptist Church. She later relocated to Langston, OK in 2012 where she became a member of Mt. Bethel M.B. Church.
Wana was a school bus driver for Guthrie Public Schools, where she drove the routes for busses 21, 23, and 5. She also drove for First Capital Trolley bus company of Guthrie, OK.
Wana leaves to cherish her memory sons Reginald Deshawn McKinley (Bryan-Keith), Daniel Daughn (Kimberly Daughn), and Thomas Jefferson. Daughters, Ebony Peralta (Miguel), Edweena Briggins (Larry Sr.), and Brittany Briggins. Seven grandsons (Isaac, Alex, LeMarion, Larry Jr., Elijah, Ariyon and Daniel), Ten granddaughters (Reyna, Laryaha, Eulalia, Evangelina, Lamari, Lavayah, Lela, Iyonna, Ericka, and Zyurie), and one great-grandson (Zayier). Three brothers, Malcolm Harvey (Felicia), Gregory Harvey, and Kenneth Harvey. Two sisters, Donna Roberts (James) and Tonie Overton. Her favorite uncle, Calvin Adams Jr. (Kathleen) and a host of other uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, and close friends.
Manwana believed in a life of service to others, and always made herself available to help others whenever and wherever possible. She will truly be missed by family and friends.