Glenda Ann Mitchell Manuel passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023 at her home in Garland with her extended family by her side celebrating her life of 90 years.
Glenda was born October 10, 1932 in Hillsboro, Texas to Anna Mae Barnes (née Mitchell) and Presley Harrison Mitchell.

Glenda spent most of her childhood to young adulthood in Southeast Texas in Tomball, China, and Beaumont graduating from South Park High School in Beaumont. She also attended Lamar College (now University).

She met the love of her life Wilson Manuel while in school in China, Texas. They were married in November, 1951 in Beaumont after Wilson returned from serving in the army in Korea during the Korean War.

Glenda worked as a bookkeeper until starting her family in 1953.

Glenda and Wilson were married 70 years upon his death in March, 2022 at the age of 91.

Glenda is survived by a host of family who are testimony to her life and her partnership with Wilson.

One of the best examples of that testimony are the married lives of her children of 50, 49, 40, 36 and 29 years.

She is survived by her brothers James(Pete) and William(Bill) Mitchell and sister Joy Rodda. By her daughters, Patricia Lee and Renee Crenshaw and sons, Michael, Richard, and Paul Manuel. By 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

And even after her children left home she and Wilson provided a home, love and support to a teenager estranged from her family. She and they maintained a close relationship becoming a part of their family and she considered them her grandparents and great grandparents to her 2 children.
Glenda joined First Baptist Church Garland in 1956 and the family was prominent in the 3rd pew every Sunday. She was an active member until very late in her life having for many years taught in and organized a 7th grade Sunday School department and every summer a 2 week junior high Vacation Bible School department. She was also instrumental in the establishment of Mother's Day Out at the church which was one of the first in the area.

To afford a large family she and Wilson started a pest control business in the 1960's to supplement Wilson's income from working for Mobile Oil. The business was a success with most of the family involved at some point while growing up. Glenda was head administrator running the office while being a full time mom.

The hard work by Glenda and Wilson and the success of the business allowed their children to pursue their secondary educations without debt.

Glenda and Wilson actively socialized with a large circle of friends and were very active in an Elks Club. Glenda organized and competed in a yearly women's bridge tournament to help fund the club's community activities. She and Wilson for many years led the club's service to the Austin Street Center and The VA Hospital.

The family home in south Garland was the center for 40 years for the large family's celebrations - Thanksgiving, Christmas, and just celebrating a large, loving family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Williams Funeral Directors.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, July 28 at 10:00 am in the Chapel at First Baptist Church Garland.

Glenda will join Wilson at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on a future date.