Evelyn J. Manning
Evelyn Josephine Parker was born January 2, 1929 in Rusk Texas to Alma Agnes Sears Parker and Charles Henry Parker.
She grew up in Livingston, Texas, full of energy and ambition. Once WWII started in 1942, she convinced her Mother, at age 10, to let her start working in service stations to earn extra money. She graduated from Livingston High School, then moved to Austin, Texas and studied business for two years at University of Texas. While in Austin she, her husband and friends started a business building prefabricated modular buildings called Fabricon. When her husband was called to war, it enabled her to travel to Central & South America, sparking her lifelong relationship with exploration. In the 1950s, while her husband was working as a seismographer, she purchased a portable skating rink and traveled around the South providing roller skating to small communities. By 1960, Evelyn and her family moved to Beaumont, opening a semi-permanent location called Gateway Skating Rink. Around the same time, she opened Beaumont Coin and Stamp Co on Calder Avenue which later evolved into Evelyn Manning’s Gifts. Around 1965, Gateway Skating Rink relocated to college Street as Manning’s Texas on Wheels. During this time, she opened up Triangle Art and Crafts Supply on 1st and North Streets which later expanded and relocated to 11th Street to become Manning’s School Supply. In the 1970s, Evelyn became partners with Jim Thomas to run a fly-in fishing business in Red Lake, Ontario. She would spend summers in Ontario and return in the fall to continue her other numerous business ventures. In what she would call her “spare time” she was actively involved with numerous organizations including Sales Marketing Executives of the Golden Triangle, National Federation of Small Businesses, Beaumont Little Theatre, Beaumont Art Museum and many others.
Evelyn adored the world, exploring every corner. Whether on a plane, boat or motorcycle, Evelyn saw more than most see in ten lifetimes. Caves, ruins, reefs, or mountains proved no barrier for her curiosity. Life was an adventure, and she embodied it. She loved games. Playing cards with friends and family occupied her downtime while she shared stories of her travels. Family was cherished. Always returning for those important days, gathering together to share food and love. Her daughters were her heart. Corinne Creason Barry, Diane Manning, plus her grandchildren Christopher Creason, Catherine Creason and Ryan Manning, were the center of it all. Whether in Rio or Casablanca, Evelyn always rushed home for family days with her chicken and dumplings. You wouldn’t just say Evelyn enjoyed life; Evelyn was life. Strangers, they never existed. Life and people were her favorite stories. She never thought of herself as an innovator yet never saw obstacles. “See a goal and go for it,” she would explain. She attributed her success to hard work and determination. Evelyn brought with her a glowing light to the world. Every mark she made on something changed it forever. Evelyn Manning made this world shine brighter. She will forever be missed.
Survivors include her daughters, Corinne Barry and her husband, James, of Beaumont; Diane Manning and Stan Teichroew, of B.C. Canada; son-in-law, Guy Manning, of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Ryan V. Manning, Christopher Creason and Catherine Creason; sister, Sandra A Gokey, of Livingston; and niece, Charlotte Treadway, of Livingston.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Alma Coogler; father, Henry Parker; stepfather, Leo Coogler; and the father of her children, Charles B. Manning.
A gathering of Mrs. Manning’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a time of remembrance at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2020, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
For those that would not attend in person, video conference will be available from at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85115414208?pwd=VndsMzdWSGtkcjRlM3VhZjZaQmtlQT09
Password: Evelyn
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Corona Virus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov
Time of Remembrance
Time of Remembrance
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
- 08/08/2020
- 6:30 pm
Gathering of Family and Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
- 08/08/2020
- 3:03 pm
Comments
Donna Hawkes
Diane - your family added so much fun to my years growing up - prayers for you and your family.
James Callas
I had the pleasure of getting to know Evelyn when Jim Barry and Corrine were married. Evelyn was always full of great stories and fun to be around. The story of her driving a Nitro Truck was one of my favorites.
Sherri Burris
We called her Aunt Evelyn, although she was our cousin. As a child she seemed bigger than life to me. After returning from one of her travels from around the world she would always bring us kids back a souvenir. Whether it was a necklace from a tribe in The Amazon or a pretty figurine from Europe, I was always fascinated with the stories she would tell about the objects. Thanksgiving will never be the same. Our large extended family gathered at the skating rink for the holiday. Aunt Evelyn could out skate all of us kids. The world lost a firecracker of a soul. She will be missed.
Christy M Williams
What a perfect description of a most unique woman. My condolences on the loss of a true matriarch. Sincerely, Christy & Tiff
Stacie Peveto
I can't imagine how hard it is to believe that Evelyn was not immortal. She seemed like the type of light that would shine forever. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Roland Burris
Evelyn was a cousin, friend, and very simply a role model for us all. Among our cherished memories are those at the skating rink at Thanksgiving.. We will miss her.
Marjorie Perry
Losing Evelyn is, indeed, a loss to all who knew her. I knew her through our HAMACO Sunday School class at Trinity UMC & have to say her contagious smile lit up the room & made everyone she looked at feel special! Her easy laughter just added to the joy she brought to others. I remember attending her 90th birthday party & the fun she was having. She lived a much more marvelous life than I had heard about, but she certainly seemed to enjoy every minute, until the very end. What a blessing! She will live in many hearts & it is wonderful that so many of us who cannot attend at this difficult time will be able to view the Time of Remembrance online. May she rest in peace.
DIANE (Ritter) CROW
My sincere condolences to the family. Diane and I met in first grade and I always admired her Mom. So much energy and a confidence you could feel it. I took my Mom to the Little Theater in 2009 and Evelyn was there also so we sat together and chatted. Mom said later "Evelyn must not have an aging gene". I know you will treasure the great memories you have of her.
Allison Nathan Getz
She was one of my favorites - my sincere condolences.
Candy Mathis Hollis
Such a lovely woman. My deepest sympathy to family.
Kathleen Richings
Deepest condolences and prayers to her entire family. Ms. Evelyn was a beautiful woman inside and out. She always greeted me with a big smile and warm hug. She will be missed dearly.
Wanda VanDorn
Sorry to hear of her passing. Always a friendly and kind.
Brenda petkovsek bean
Diane , I ‘m so sorry to hear of your mos psssing. She was suck a sweet lady. I always enjoyed spending time with ho
Ruth Aubey
Evelyn should be on the front page of the Beaumont Enterprise - Notable Entrepreneur in Beaumont.. She soared in her multiple successes and pioneered in meeting coming trends. She was one smart lady who knew when to hold 'em and knew when to fold 'em. My condolences to her family and friends. I was a regular customer on Calder and at Dowlen. Evelyn and I shared one great passion - pegboard!!
Paula Austin
What a lady Evelyn Manning was! I first met her at the Gateway rink. She was always kind, had a quick smile, and voiced her opinion. She leaves an indelible mark on many who met her as young teens.
John and Debra Everett
The world lost a wondeful woman, friend and buddy! It's hard to believe the world will keep on spinning with you,Evelyn......Vaya con Dios my friend.
Carol Weaver Nichols
I remember Evelyn, I remember Corinne and Diane spending the night with us. We were all little then we lived in Amelia and a rowdy bunch. Fond memories of skating rinks. I haven't lived in Beaumont for a while but still remember her smile. So sorry. Carol
Ann Perkins-Parrott
To all who mourn this wonderful woman, think of her as the beautiful delightful woman who nurtured so many young people in so many ways. Thank you for sharing her with me Corinne. The many happy hours I spent at Mannings and the store were often set to the sound of her laughter and comments. You and your family are always in my heart. Ann
Leticia Hernandez
I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Ms. Evelyn Manning through the Burris family this past Thanksgiving. Not only was she beautiful, and kind, but full of life. Her stories really touched me and I found her to be a wonderful inspiration. She definitely left a huge impression on my heart. My sincere condolences and prayers to all her loved ones.
Tom and Jodi Milliren
We have so many wonderful memories of the times that we shared together. She will be forever in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of her wonderful family.
mike cacioppo
i just left the visitation for your mom with my best friend jeff mcmanus. we both admired your mom so much. she is a beaumont icon & we thank her for all she did for our town. she was ahead of her time as being a successful businesswoman in many areas. we also looked forward to seeing her at the lutcher theater. she was always so friendly to me. her smile alone made you feel wonderful about yourself. she touched so many life's. i remember the skating rink at gateway when i was in grade school. i remember her wonderful gift shop when i was in high school. i remember her office & teacher supply when i was in college. one of my best friends from lamar was a teacher from galveston. she never started a semester without going to mannings school supply first. i am going to contact the beaumont enterprise & encourage them to do a much deserved feature on your mom. prayers to you & your family. mike cacioppo
Susan Hashop
Ms Manning was always an inspiration to me. She could do anything! I loved her. I will miss her.
Carol shaffer
Mrs Manning was the best boss ever!! I worked there at Evelyn Manning’s Gifts in 72-73! She was so much fun and taught me so much. Thinking of her sweet daughters Corrine and Diane! Prayers sent for comfort!! RIP Mrs Manning Love you!!!â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Nancy Neathery Flores
Evelyn was such a role model for women of all ages. I first met her as a junior in high school at her gift shop on Calder. I always admired her focus on Family, business and community. As an educator, I relied on the school supply shop for so many classroom essentials.. I was also fortunate to have Corrine as a friend as well as her daughter, Catherine. All are wonderful women guided by their matriarch, Evelyn.. I know she is proud of her family. love to you all!
Sassy Layton Kerr
Evelyn had a true sparkling personality! Her light was shining bright everywhere! She was a visionary ahead of time an true in innovator. Personally., I will never forget all the times she and Charles welcomed all of our competitive skating team to practice at their rink even though we were competing under a prominent Houston team. They were most generous to let us there any time as we lived here not Houston. She was one of a kind and will be greatly missed and well appreciated. Rest In Peace Sassy
Joe Jordan
Evelyn Manning was one of the most interesting and truly unique individuals I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Although I haven't seen her in person in almost 36 years, she was tremendously important to me and my family during my formative years right up through my graduation from Texas A&M in 1984. With my Dad, Vincent and my brother, Ricky, we had the opportunity to help her on dozens of projects in the '70's and '80's from untold number of remodelings of her Gift Shop in Beaumont, renovations at the School Supply, numerous projects at the Skating Rink, remodeling of her offices in Vidor and even upkeep at the Canadian Fly-In Fishing cabins at the end of the season in Red Lake, Ontario. She was always a pleasure to work with and be around. She treated us like family and shared her infectious love of life and experience with everyone she met. She paid us well for the work she asked us to do but never treated us like mere labor. She seemed to care about everyone she worked with was always fair and honest in her business dealings. She was one of the most creative people I've ever known and I'm sure could find a way to make a living no matter what the circumstances. If I had a nickel for every sheet of peg board I painted and hung for her and every wooden letter I cut out I could probably retire early! She was a real joy to be around and I'm blessed to have had the chance to know her and have the fond memories I do. My prayers are with Corinne, Diane, Chris and the entire family. She leaves a big hole in the Beaumont business community and in all our hearts. I simply can't think of her without smiling, and humming an old Jimmy Buffett tune... "Nibblin' on sponge cake Watchin' the sun bake".. Via con Dios Ms. Manning! Until we meet again!