Norma Lee Manning

Norma Lee (Phillips) Manning began her life on September 1st, 1928 in Belpre, Kansas with her loving parents Ed and Ada Phillips, who later took up homestead in Boise City, Oklahoma. Later joined in life by her sister, Mary Ann Phillips, Norma Lee was the epitome of what a kind and loving big sister should be and as a daughter, she brought true joy to her parents. Norma Lee passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 13th, 2019, surrounded by her family. Her handsome, loving husband, Jack Manning, awaiting her in Heaven after sixty three years of marriage and eleven years apart, was surely wearing his Sunday best to embrace her into his arms.

Norma Lee and Jack Manning, married in 1945 spent a lifetime loving one another, running a successful family business, and served in ministry together through International Faith to Faith Bible Institute. Jack and Norma Lee both became ordained ministers in October of 1979. Norma Lee led many women’s bible studies, prayer groups, and changed countless lives with her powerful prayer and unbreakable faith. Her sister, Mary Ann Phillips, always at her side, both with an uncanny ability to serve others, love one another and remain close as best friends and confidants.

Norma Lee raised her firstborn, a son, David, and her second-born, a daughter, Renee, with a heart that spoke of unconditional love, lessons, and by being an example to each that spoke of strong faith, integrity, and the promise that God, just as their mother, would never fail them. And neither did. Renee and David each held intimate relationships with their mother, taking to heart her example, love, and faith.

David married Joy and gave life to two of Norma Lee’s grandchildren, Elizabeth, her second grandchild, and John David, her third. Renee brought Norma Lee’s first and fourth granddaughters Courtney and Catherine and later, Evan, and Erica McClaugherty, completing her grandchildren. Norma Lee, whose love knew no bounds, spoiled her precious little ones to no end.

Norma Lee lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado for over 40 years in the house that love built. Family traditions, prayer meetings, ladies groups, and even several grandkids living with her over the years, Norma Lee’s home was home to many. She and Jack lived lives parallel to God’s hope that we love one another and seek to serve Him and give Him all the glory. Norma Lee’s life, her home, and those she loved all experienced that in profound ways.

Norma Lee, a firm believer that the only way to eternal salvation was through the cross, led hundreds of people to the Lord with a soft heart and a determined spirit. Her faith was her platform and her life was the example. This resonated deeply with her family and friends.

She, later on, welcomed Jonothan, Amanda, Brandin, and Samantha as the newest generation that made her a great grandmother. Then, Norma Lee (Nonnie) welcomed Catherine’s daughter Karli. Shortly after, Elizabeth gave life to three more beautiful great-grandchildren, Jackson, Joy, and Jaelee. The love did not stop there as Evan and Jennie brought Owen into this world, although his time was brief here on earth, he now gets hugs and kisses in Heaven. Several years later, Evan’s daughter, Sunny bounced into her life. As if Nonnie would burst, along came Erica’s beautiful children, Leif and Charlee. Norma Lee ensured each of her grandchildren knew how to pray, how to iron, and how to be both lady-like and gentlemanly. She enjoyed rich, full special relationships with each one. Nonnie’s legacy was almost complete.

After a ministry had grown and lives nurtured, Norma Lee welcomed her first great-great-grandchildren, Catalina and Jade, both daughters born from Courtney’s first daughter, Amanda. Her legacy was full, and her life a living, breathing entity that spoke hope, success, faith, and grace to a family who cherished their matriarch.

And so it is we send her home, to sit beside the King of Kings as the bride of Christ, her legacy built up by faith and courage and prayer and hope … and today, as we celebrate her life, we lift our hands to Heaven and give praise. A life well lived. An eternal legacy well done.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 17th, 2019 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Swan Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. A Celebration of Life will be Monday, February 18th at 1 p.m. at Swan Law Funeral Directors. A Burial Service will take place Wednesday, February 18th at 1 p.m. at Memorial Gardens, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado.