Mrs. Merle Marie Manis

Merle Marie Allie Manis went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 20, 2018. Mrs. Manis was born August 23, 1934. She was the only child of John and Lillie Mae Allie of Pacolet Mills, South Carolina. She graduated from Pacolet High School in 1952 and married Dallas, the love of her life, on July 4, 1953. Merle loved the Lord, was a devoted loving wife, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was unselfishly devoted to her immediate family and extensive extended family. Merle was humble and kind; soft-spoken but strong. Her beauty was made more apparent by the tenderest of hearts and her caring and empathetic spirit. She gave selflessly and tirelessly, cooking meals for sick or grieving families and calling or writing to friends or those who were homebound. Often times she simply sat and listened to someone with a broken heart. She cried with them, prayed for them, but never judged. Mrs. Manis attended New Heights Baptist Church, formerly Colonial Heights Baptist Church for 55 years where she sang in the choir and taught Bible study to kindergartners and senior adults. She was president of their Womens Missionary Union (WMU) for several years. Known for her gift of hospitality, she hosted many family and youth events at her home on Lake Murray. Merle’s love of entertaining also included attending her beloved Clemson football games featuring her renowned tailgate specialties. Mrs. Manis is survived by her husband of 65 years, Dallas E. Manis, children; Michael Manis (Charlotte), Mitchell Manis (Sharon), Mickey Manis (Debbie) and Melanie Manis Leonard (Randy). Grandchildren; Karin Strickland Champion (Matt), Zachary Manis (Corrie), Lauren Manis Lane (Donald), Corey Manis, Dylan Leonard, Jade Leonard Brown (Michael), Caleb Leonard (Merideth), and ten great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and granddaughter, Hannah Elizabeth Strickland. Visitation will be at Chapin Baptist Church, 950 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, at 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 23, 2018. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 PM at the church. Graveside service will be at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, on Wednesday December 26, 2018 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Chapin Baptist Senior Adult Building Fund or charity of choice. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family

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Mrs. Merle Marie Manis

August 23, 1934 - December 20, 2018