Theresa "Terri" Pauline McManus

Theresa “Terri” Pauline McManus (née Knaga), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, minister, chaplain, caretaker, amateur photographer, avid collector of hobbies, and devoted woman of faith, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 surrounded by those that loved her.

Terri lived a life rooted in compassion, purpose, and unwavering faith. She enjoyed traveling, witnessing her faith, and spending time with friends and loved ones. As a chaplain and minister, she provided comfort and spiritual guidance to so many individuals during some of life’s most difficult moments.  It was her true calling.

She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Dennis McManus; sons Andrew McManus (wife Jennifer) and John McManus (wife Rosanna); her cherished grandson, Wylie McManus; her sisters and brothers-in-law; her nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joe Knaga, and parents, Andrew and Angeline Knaga.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on May 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at River of Life Church, 935 W. Main Street, Valdese, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to her local church (River of Life), her cherished Haitian ministry (via All Faith Church 1613 Maple Dr. Fort Myers Florida 33907 c/o Pastor John Regis - noting Haiti on donations) https://www.theriveronline.net/give/ and/or cancer research https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=menudefault or Alzheimer’s research https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kirkseyfh.com

Kirksey Funeral Home in Morganton, North Carolina is serving the family.