Mary Lee Gayle "Mary Lee Barrett"

September 23, 1947 - June 7, 2022

Mary Lee Manning was born to the late Eula Mae Joiner and the late Lonnie B. Manning on September 23, 1947, in Macon County, Georgia. She was affectionately known to family and friends as "Mae," "Munh," and "Auntie." Mary grew up in Montezuma raised by her aunt, Emma Burke. She grew up with her cousin, Ruby "Cokey" Miller, whom she loved early. Mary graduated from high school and went on to obtain her cosmetology license. In 1994, she competed 10 years of dedicated and devoted duty with the Navy Exchange Service Command. She was an integral part of caring for her beloved grandchildren along with other children at her in home daycare. She was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. On September 25, 1999, Mary married Dudley C. Barrett. For over 22 years, Mary and Dudley remained side by side. Mary remained steady in her faith and Dudley was a devoted caregiver through her many medical challenges. She fought the good fight until the Lord called her home on June 7, 2022. Mary was preceded in death by her loving Son, Harvey Lee Manning (Wanda); Sisters: Rosa J. Leary and Betty Jean Manning; Brother, Lonnie B. Manning; Best Friend, Jennie Henderson; and Cousin, Ruby Miller. Hearts were blessed for the 74 years the Lord loaned her to us. Mary leaves to cherish her memories: Husband, Dudley C. Barrett; Children: Ronnie Manning, Virginia Holmes, Jerome Holmes (Anisia), and Curtis Manning (Nakia); and Grandchildren: Laurence Manning, Latoya Manning, Courtney Manning, Angel Spearmen, Shantae Manning, Clifford Holmes, Natasha Holmes (Emmitt), Evelyn Cameron (Ayon), Robert Cooper Jr., Jonathan Christen, Jasmin Holmes, Joshua Holmes, Tashawn Manning, and Eboni Manning. Twenty-Two Great Grandchildren, Special Nieces, and Nephews: Shondra Manning (Frank Bailey and La'Dahja Redding), Willie Manning, and Byron Manning; Stepdaughters: Susan Barrett Tobias and Tasha Barrett Tulloch; Special Relatives: Jessie Burke Jr, Christine Joiner, Irene Hubbard. Godson Terrance Tillman; The Family of Jennie Henderson; her Church Home: Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Rollie Murray, Jr.; along with a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, dear friends, and many more. Mary's cooking, her love for being center of attention (with her dancing also known as "let me shake it two times"), her theatrical story telling solidified her terrific sense of humor, all of which were the highlight of many wonderful family gatherings will be missed greatly.