DeeDee Mann

Dee Dee was born Denise Louise Aaron in Meadville, Pa., a small industrial town near Erie. Her father's military career moved the family six times, including a five-year stay in Germany, before a transfer to Fort Hood brought them to Killeen.

The second of Richard and Dorothy Aaron's five children, DeeDee offered her siblings – Deborah, Dirk, Dawn and Deanna – the love of a mother and the friendship of a sister. On one occasion, after her younger brother Dirk hurled a Little League no-hitter, she organized an All-Star reception at home, complete with a banner and foil crown.

When Austin beckoned, DeeDee moved south down IH-35 in the summer of 1977. She soon met a banker – "tall, dark and handsome," she recalled. This week marks the 37th anniversary of DeeDee's marriage to Joe Billy Mann. They have been faithful members of Hyde Park Baptist Church for more than three decades, organizing Sunday School social events and serving hundreds of youth.

DeeDee was a remarkable wife and mother, the cornerstone of her family. For 27 years, she raised Jonathan and Missy with unconditional support. With her calendar chock full of baseball games and dance recitals, she was undoubtedly her children's biggest advocate.

Though her roots lie in the north, DeeDee epitomized Texas charm. Friends and family around the country still decorate their homes with "Mann Made Creations," crafted by DeeDee and Joe Billy throughout the '90s. Her professional legacy includes owning a small business for 17 years – she was known around town as the "Toner Lady" – and forging a successful career in promotional branding since 2004, most recently with Republic Promos.

DeeDee was a great conversationalist and world-class shopper. She loved her dogs, thrilling books, and a glass of milk with her spaghetti. In recent years, she embraced life through travel, with trips to New York, Myrtle Beach, Mexico and Idaho. Her life ended far too early, but she will be remembered worldwide by so many people for whom she genuinely cared.

A memorial service to celebrate DeeDee's life will be held Saturday, May 23, at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary at Hyde Park Baptist Church (3901 Speedway), with a short reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please honor her passion for the well-being of all children with a donation in her name to CASA of Travis County at www.casatraviscounty.org or by calling (512) 459-2272.