Cara Marie Manuel

At just 11 months old, Cara underwent surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor. Doctors gave her a life expectancy of only five years, but she defied all odds and became her family’s “miracle girl.” The tumor and subsequent radiation treatments caused some brain damage that affected her motor functions, but Cara never let that define her.

She graduated from Putnam City North High School in 2000, where she became the first special education student to be nominated as a Spring Queen Candidate and the first to graduate with honors. She went on to earn her Early Childhood Development certificate from Francis Tuttle Vo-Tech and worked at Walls Department Store for five years after graduation.

Cara had an infectious smile and an unshakably positive attitude. She was outgoing, spunky, sassy, ornery, and completely her own person—proud of her individuality and her eclectic sense of style. She loved to joke around, beat up on her brothers-in-law in good fun, and buy thoughtful gifts for others, especially the children at her church. She was deeply involved in the church nursery, pouring her heart into caring for toddlers.

A die-hard OU football fan, Cara refused to wear anything orange. Her two great passions were OU and children. Even in the face of challenges, she inspired everyone around her, never complaining and always radiating light, love, and joy. She loved God, she loved Jesus, and she simply loved—without limits.

She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Preston Boyd. She is survived by her mother, Nina Boyd; father, Steve Manuel and partner Jon Fish; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mallory and Jeremiah Parris, Jana and Ryan Griffis; her nephew, Jackson Parris; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be 6:00–8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Bill Merritt Funeral Service. A Celebration of Cara’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Bill Merritt Funeral Service, with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Her family and friends will forever remember her spirit, laughter, and the way she lived out her motto: “Love like Cara.”