Genevieve Peace Leake Sakas Manly

Born in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late George and (Martha) Gertrude Peace Leake.

She graduated from Greenville High School and attended Gulf Park College in Gulf Port, Mississippi from 1940-1944. She was an active philanthropist helping local organizations such as the Governor’s School of the Arts (the Sakas Auditorium), The Peace Center of the Performing Arts (Genevieve’s Restaurant Theater Lounge/Restaurant), the Children’s Hospital, the Greenville Museum, and many more. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Greenville.

She was a professionally trained dancer (ballroom dance and ballet) in New York City in the 1940’s. She met her future husband, Johnny Sakas, in New York City, who was also an accomplished ballroom dancer and they spent many years performing in venues in NYC. They performed around New York and in Las Vegas before they went on the cruise circuit, performing on cruise ships around the world for many years.

They moved back to Greenville in the early 1970’s to help take care of Genevieve’s mother (Gertrude Peace Leake).

After Johnny passed away, Genevieve married Dr. Basil Manly in 2009. They had gone to high school together in Greenville. Dr. Basil Manly passed away in 2017.

She is survived by her nephew, George Hampton Harris (Cindy) and her niece, Marian Peace Harris Moore (Mike) as well as three great nephews and four great nieces. She was preceded in death by her sister, Marian Leake Harris, and nephews John B. Harris III and Roger Peace Harris.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the sitters who took great care of Genevieve and always gave her great love. Also, the family gratefully acknowledges Dot Blackwell and Rae Blackwell for organizing all the sitters for many years. We appreciate all you have done.

Genevieve had energy and great love of life all the way to the end of her life. Everyone who knew her loved her smile, warmth, and joy she exuded. She was truly one of a kind.

The family requests that flowers be omitted and contributions made to the SC Ovarian Cancer Foundation, 124 Edinburgh Ct., Suite 109, Greenville, SC 29607.

The funeral will be at Mackey Funerals and Cremations, 1 Pine Knoll Dr., Greenville, SC 29609 on Friday, April 10, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 2:00 pm.

Mackey Funerals and Cremations of Greenville is in charge of arrangements.