Diane M. Manning

Diane M. Manning, 62, of 985 Liberty St., Meadville, passed away Thursday, October 20th, 2011, at Meadville Medical Center.
Diane was born in Cleveland, OH on October 17, 1949, a daughter of the late Jean Ferguson.
She had attended United Faith Fellowship Church, Meadville, where she sang in the church choir for many years.
Over the years Diane had been employed by Bethesda Childrens Home, The Red Cross, Center For Family Services, The Greenhouse and the Pennsylvania Dept. of Public Assistance. A 1964 graduate of Franklin High School, she had previously attended St. Patricks Catholic School. Diane had a deep appreciation for the arts. For close to 20 years she participated in a community choir. She had also sung in the Full Gospel State Mass Choir and had performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC with Bollo-Mah-Kissy. Her musical talents reached beyond singing to writing music. Additionally, Diane was gifted in writing poetry, reading poetry and reciting poetry. These gifts earned her the nickname of 'Sister Poetic'. She enjoyed spiritual reading and writing as well. Recently Diane wrote a book which can be found at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute. Dianes other interests including painting with water colors, pastels and oils. She also enjoyed being very political and following politics.
Diane is survived by four children Vera Saeli and her husband William of Franklin, Shane Manning of Franklin, Javar Manning of Mercer, Debra Wofford of Meadville, eight grandchildren, eight sisters Jane Burnell of Franklin, Sally VanStory of Amherst, NY, Helen Elaine Richards of Hermitage, Ida Ferguson of Youngstown, OH, Linda Thomas of Erie, Joane Ferguson of Rochester, NY, Ruth Ferguson of Erie, Joyce Ferguson of Jamestown, NY, three brothers Lou Burnell of Prescott, AZ, Ralph Ferguson of Erie, James Ferguson of Youngstown, OH, a host of nieces and nephews.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents.
Family and friends are invited to call on Monday from 11-1 at New Beginnings Church of God, 13226 Leslie Road, Meadville, where a Homecoming Service will be held at 1:00 PM with Pastor John W. Manning of Christ Deliverance Church of the Apostolic Faith, Erie officiating.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Rd., Meadville, PA 16335 or a charity of the donors choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.
Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com