Shirley Elizabeth Jones Mann

Shirley Elizabeth Jones Mann, a remarkable and inspiring woman, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 4, 2025, at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Born in Welch, West Virginia, on April 14, 1927, Shirley was the cherished daughter of the late H. Preston Mills Jones and Fleming Adolphus Jones Jr., lawyer and the first African American to serve in the West Virginia State Legislature. She attended McDowell County public schools, graduating from Kimball High School in 1944, and went on to Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees of Arts. Inspired by her family's legacy, Shirley followed in the footsteps of her father, mother and sister to earn her law degree at Howard University Law School. As a law student, Shirley helped prepare briefing materials for cases argued by Thurgood Marshall before the US Supreme Court which paved the way for the historic Brown v. Board of Education. While attending law school, Shirley met her soulmate, Daniel ("Danny") Louis Mann Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating with their law degrees together in June 1951, Shirley and Danny wed on August 31 in Howard University's spiritual heart, "Little Chapel". Their love story spanned over 61 years, during which they raised two beloved daughters, Dawne Mann Hurley and Henri Mann Moore. Initially pursuing legal careers, Shirley and Danny decided against joining the saturated legal market of Washington, D.C., choosing instead to settle in Columbus, Ohio-a city they fell in love with during a visit with a friend. Shirley worked as an Attorney-Examiner with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, but as her family grew, she transitioned her career from law to education to align her schedule with her daughters'. Shirley's passion for teaching flourished, and she earned her teaching certifications from The Ohio State University. Her career with Columbus Public Schools spanned many fulfilling roles, including classroom teacher, resource teacher, building principal, director of reading, and ultimately area executive director. She retired in 1990, leaving behind a legacy of educational excellence. Retirement offered Shirley the freedom to explore her creative passions. She enrolled in art classes at Ohio State University, frequented the Columbus Museum of Art, and joined the museum's esteemed Docent Training Program. As a docent, she delighted in leading tours and exploring museums across the U.S. and Europe-a pursuit she enjoyed for over a decade. Shirley also collaborated with Danny's legal practice, leveraging her keen attention to detail as a title specialist in real estate law, earning a respected reputation at the courthouse. A most special union, recognizing their deep love and gift of family, on August 13, 2001, Shirley and Danny joyfully celebrated their golden anniversary by renewing their vows at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. Their vows were followed by a festive luncheon shared with daughters, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
An active and community-focused woman, Shirley was a proud life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Alpha Chapter), Jack and Jill of America and a Platinum Alumni member of The Links, Inc., Columbus, Ohio chapter. She served her faith communities diligently at St. Philip Episcopal Church in Columbus elected to the Vestry and served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister and Lay Eucharistic Visitor, and later at Philadelphia's Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church serving on the altar guild. Outgoing, curious and wanting to be closer to her daughters, after Danny's passing in 2011, Shirley embraced her new life in Philadelphia with grace and enthusiasm, building close friendships, indulging in her love of bridge, staying active, and cherishing precious moments with family and loved ones. Shirley was predeceased by her husband Danny, her parents, and her sister, Marian J. Capehart. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Dawne Mann Hurley and Henri Mann Moore, the latter mourning the recent loss of her husband, Anthony. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren-Danielle, Morgan, Alexandra, and Keil-her nieces Nancy Dabney and Stephanie Walls (Rodney), as well as other beloved family and friends. Shirley's vibrant spirit, remarkable achievements, and unwavering dedication to her family and community will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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