Obituary of Joseph Clair Manns Jr

Joseph Clair Manns Jr. age 82, was born in Henry County, Virginia on August 25, 1941. He departed his life on August 4,2024. He was the youngest of two children born to the late Joseph C. Manns Sr, Lucy Brown Manns Arnold and Elder Robert Lee Arnold. He was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School and later served his country in the U.S Army as a sharp shooter. He received a honorable discharge and was awarded for good conduct . He then started working at Bethlehem Steel as a steel worker for 18 years. While settling in Baltimore he married the late Evelyn Bennett Manns, with three children in their union. Joseph loved to attend church, during his time at Bethlehem Steel. He desired to find a wife one day and his prayer was answered when visiting Mt Zion Holiness church pastored by Bishop Lee Goings. In 1986 he met and married Minister Bernadine Sparrow. The lord blessed them and they remained married for 37 years. He served in the church faithfully as a trustee for several years until his health began to decline. Joseph, known as "Joe Jr" displayed love, joy and a nurturing spirit when providing for his family. He enjoyed praying, reading the Bible, and life study fellowship literature , which gave him inspiration. Watching television and spending time with his family was fun for Joseph ,especially with his grand and great grand children. In 2023 his heath began to decline, and even still ,he displayed a positive attitude. He would always say, " I thank God things are as well as they are " . God saw that the road was getting rough and decided to call him to his home where there will be no more sickness, sorrow or pain. We bow in humble submission to his will. We will miss him very much . Joseph was preceded in death by his sister Alzina Gilbert, step sisters: Rosa Arnold, Virginia Perry, Lula Washington, and Juanita (James) Ross. Stepbrothers: John C. Arnold and Doyle Houston Arnold. Nephews: George "GG"Gilbert, and Bentley "Binky" Gilbert and host of family and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory with his wife of 37 years Bernadine Manns; three children, Joseph Manns lll, Evelyn (Charles) Shabazz, and Calvin Manns; Five grandchildren, Kyle Jackson, LaTisha(Omolere) Olowolafe, Jessica Manns, Marcus Manns and Diamond Snowden; Great grandchildren, Darryl Thames lll, Winter Olowolafe and a host of other great grandchildren. His step siblings, Peggy Arnold ,Robert ( Delores) Arnold, Walter (Shirley) Arnold and Samuel (Retha) Arnold. His loving niece Sironia "Renee" Gilbert; His devoted cousins, Gloria "Jean" Simms and Elder Johnell ( Betty Lou) Manns.