EDENTON, N.C. — Betty Letcher Manning, 83, of 216 W. Eden St., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Vidant Medical Center, Greenville.
Born in South Carolina on Aug. 5, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Clayton O. Sr. and Anna Pearl Hilburn Letcher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Norman E. Leonard.
Mrs. Manning retired from Edenton Baptist Church where she served as the office administrator for 50 years. Throughout her ministry at the church, she also served as nursery coordinator, purchasing agent and financial secretary, and was active in leadership roles in the WMU and Missions organizations. Through the years she had also been involved in various local civic and state groups.
As a tribute to her, Mayor Roland Vaughan and members of the Edenton Town Council proclaimed at a recognition service on Feb. 6, 2011 as “Betty Manning Day” in Edenton and, in so doing, urged all citizens of the town to reflect upon the devotion, support and grace she had provided her church family, many of whom are citizens of Edenton. It was further resolved that a copy of the proclamation be spread upon the official minute books of the Edenton Town Council as a lasting testament for the affection the community had for her.
Surviving are her husband of nearly 65 years, Edward Nelson “Pete” Manning; two daughters, Nelle Manning Hyatt and husband, the Rev. James Hyatt Jr., of Franklin, Virginia; and Anna Kay Manning Laughton and husband, G. Craig Laughton, of Edenton; three grandchildren, James Henry “Buddy” Hyatt III and wife, Nikki, of Greenville; Clay Hyatt of Franklin; and Carole Laughton of Edenton; a sister, Jackie L. Leonard of Oak Island; a brother, Clayton O. Letcher Jr. and wife, Linda. of Hartselle, Alabama; and three nieces.
The funeral will be on Friday at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of Edenton Baptist Church and will be officiated by the Rev. David Brooks and the Rev. James Hyatt Jr. Music will be provided by “Buddy” Hyatt and by Craig, Anna Kay and Carole Laughton.
The private graveside service will be on the family plot at Beaver Hill Cemetery with the committal and benediction being offered by the Rev. Hyatt.
Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Friends may join the family in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service, or all other times at the residence.
Memorials may be given to Edenton Baptist Church, 200 S. Granville St., Edenton, NC 27932.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.