Martha Virginia Manner

McKENZIE, Tenn. - Virginia McDade Manner died on September 3, 2025, at her home in Nashville. She was 97.

Funeral services are Sunday, September 7, with visitation at 2 p.m. followed by the 3 p.m. service at First Baptist Church of McKenzie. Interment is at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in McKenzie.

Virginia was born on February 13, 1928, to John and Kathleen McDade. She was married to Wendell Manner. She is survived by her children, Marta McDade Manner of Nashville and Mark (Anne) Manner of Nashville; two grandchildren, Virginia Manner (Chris Waidmann) of Los Alamos, New Mexico, and John( Melanie) Manner of Denver, Colorado and four great-grandchildren.

Virginia was an active member of the First Baptist Church of McKenzie since 1940, having given her heart to Jesus at 12 years of age.

She loved her church and enjoyed singing in the choir, directed several Easter and Christmas pageants and was a teacher of many Sunday school classes, plus a Sunbeam class leader. She was also asked to join several church committees such as Decorating, Building and Grounds, and Committee on Committees.

She also thoroughly enjoyed designing and making 12 banners for the Banner Ministry. These banners depicted some of the names of Jesus, such as Prince of Peace, Creator, and The Good Shepherd.

In addition, she volunteered in many civic activities, such as being a charter member and officer of the McKenzie Memorial Hospital Pink Ladies and a charter member of the McKenzie Beautification Committee. She served on the Act II Committee, Historic Committee, among others. Another proud moment was when she served as the grand marshal of the Hometown Christmas Parade and was asked to chair the four-day Bicentennial Celebration in 1996.

Virginia loved flowers and joined the Morning Glory Garden Club in 1955, and held many offices, including President for many years. She continually sought to make her beloved hometown full of beautiful flowers. She actively participated in the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, serving on the state board, chairing committees, organizing Conservation Camps, and eventually serving as TFGC District Director from 1999-2001.

Her enjoyment of reading led her to become a member for 67 years of the Inglenook Book Club, serving as President for several years as well.

She was also very proud to have been instrumental in protecting Veteran's Park from being made into a parking lot.