Norma Jean (Sharpe) Manders

Norma Jean Sharpe Manders was born January 11, 1946 in Vidalia, Georgia (Toombs County), to the late Jessie James Sharpe and Myrtle Holton Sharpe.

She moved to Blackshear, Georgia where she met and married Cecil F. Manders on January 20, 1962.  This union was united for fifty-nine years, ten months and was blessed with three children, Kelly Jean, Kevin, and Amy.

Norma Jean attended Blackshear High School.  After high school she attended Ware Technical School earning a degree in accounting.  Beginning her career at D’Shazos Flower Shop, she then worked at Singleton Furniture Company for eighteen years. She would go on to end her career working for the Ware County Tax Assessor Office until her retirement.  She was not one to stay idle for long and picked up a part time job keeping the books for Millwood Baptist Church which she continued until her health would no longer allow her to.

She was a long time and faithful member of First Baptist Church of Blackshear, Georgia where she severed faithfully in many capacities; President of the WMU, Mission Friends teacher, GA Leader, Acteens Leader, Adult Sunday School teacher and served on the Mary Street Mission Council, just to name a few.  Norma had a love for missions and would be involved as much as possible wherever she was needed.

Norma Jean left her earthly home to her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie James & Myrtle Sharpe; and three sisters, Billie Harris, Pearl Mason, and Jessie Mae Dean.

Norma Jean leaves to cherish her memory a loving family comprised of three children, Kelly Rudd (Robbin), Kevin Manders (Angela), and Amy Chancey (Chuck); a special nephew, Darien Manders (Cherry); seven grandchildren, Weston Manders (Sheena), Luke Manders, Kellyn Manders, Dylan Chancey, Brandon Chancey, Shelly McDaniel (Dwayne) & Christopher Rudd; great-grandchildren, Aaron Stokes, Ashton Bradley, Hudson Rudd & Corbin Rudd; one brother, Calvin Sharpe (Kay); a loving and special niece Delane Martin; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and very special friends that will miss her tremendously.

Funeral services for Norma Jean will be held Saturday morning, October 30, 2021, at 11:00 o’clock from the First Baptist Church.

Interment will be in the Waters Cemetery.

The family will be receiving friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Members of the WMU at First Baptist Church are kindly requested to serve as honorary pallbearers.  Please meet at the church by 10:30 Saturday morning.

Due to COVID-19, social distancing guidelines as well as the use of facemasks are strongly encouraged.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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