Today we pause to celebrate the life and memory of a wonderful, God-fearing woman who transitioned from earth to life eternal on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Her spirit, faith, and hope remained strong, serene, and filled with dignity and grace, the signatures of her life.
Affectionately called “Calene” by her family and childhood friends, Mary Carolene Byas Manjang was born August 13, 1932 to the late George Sr. and Gertrude Byas. Mary was one of nine children. Mary attended grade school at Dunbar Colored School, graduating in 1952 with ambitions of becoming a librarian. After graduation, she worked in food services at Southwest Texas State University. She committed her life to the Lord at an early age. As a child, she attended Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Church in San Marcos, Texas where she served faithfully until she got married.
Mary met and married her one and only love, Tilmer Ted Manjang on December 31, 1954. To this union they were blessed with five children. Mary and “Ted” made their home in Lawton, Oklahoma while he was stationed at FortHer Sill. Later, Tilmer received orders to report to Fort Hood Army Base and the family relocated to Killeen, Texas.
Mary was a devoted wife and mother that put God and family first. She was a housewife for many years until she went to work in food services for Killeen Independent School District. She was assigned to Killeen High School and she touched many with her smile and kind words over the course of her 25 years of employment. Students enjoyed going through the line when she was serving food, filled with the assurance they would get a hefty portion of food.
In 1964, Mary became one of the nine founding members of Anderson Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Killeen, Texas. She was actively involved in the ministries of Anderson Chapel in numerous capacities. She served as a class leader, Sunday School teacher of the Beginner’s Class, usher, stewardess, steward, pastor’s aide, Chancel Choir member and missionary. She served as president of the missionary society for two terms and also was the chaplain for a number of years.
Mary was appointed as a Life member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Church in 1994 because of the work that she performed in the community and her local church. Mary visited the sick and shut in weekly in homes, local hospitals and nursing facilities and established a call-in prayer line. She was passionate about prayer and interceded on behalf of her church, family, and community. When faced with obstacles and despair, Mary would respond by saying, “We just need to pray!” Mary was ordained as a deaconess under the leadership of Rev. Walter R. McDonald during the 2000 Annual Conference of the Austin Capital District under the auspices of Bishop McKinley Young.
Mother Manjang truly loved her church. She was a worshipper. Mary always had praise on her lips. She witnessed to many about the goodness of the Lord. She was a catalyst for many dedicating their lives to Christ. She never met a stranger. Mother Mary would warm hearts with her smile.
During the course of her Christian walk, Mother Manjang received numerous honors and recognitions. She was a nominee for Top Ladies of Distinction in Community Service (1994), a representative for the Queen Esther Stewardship Initiative, and named as a Senior Sister Serving God by Grace Design Women’s Fellowship (Houston, Texas) in 2013.
Mother Manjang will also be remembered for her signature smile, church hats, and her beautiful Sunday suits.
She was preceded in death by her parents George Sr. and Gertrude Byas, and siblings Alvin Byas Sr., Willie Lee Byas, James Edward Byas, Ora Vernice Byas Boyd, and George Byas Jr.
Mother Manjang leaves to carry out her legacy, her siblings, Rev. Gertrude Durham (Carl), Brother, Roger Byas (Myrtle), children Kenneth Manjang, Pam Morgan (Roy), Stanley Manjang (Vannie), Dennis Manjang (Kimether), Marilyn Manjang, and her beloved step daughter, Mellie Pierce; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and Missionary sisters.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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