I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  - 2 Timothy 4:7

 

Rebecca S. Manley was born on October 15, 1941 to the late David Lee Smith and the late Lena Mae Smith in Faison, NC. The Lord called her home on January 10, 2025.

 

Later on in life Rebecca's family moved to Mount Olive, NC where Rebecca met and married Alfonzo Manley Sr. on December 16, 1958. They remained happily married for over 64 years until his death in 2023. Rebecca traveled the world with her husband and lived in Germany several times; Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri. Rebecca visited countries like Turkey, Holland, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands just to name a few.

 

Rebecca was mainly a homemaker for many years. Rebecca became a kindergarten teacher from 1968 to 1969 while at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 1972, Rebecca decided to attend and completed cosmetology school. Rebecca made a hair salon at her home.

 

Rebecca was a member of the Best Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She attended faithfully for many years until her health began to fail. While in Germany, Rebecca joined a chapter of the Order of the Easter Star (OES). Rebecca was a member of the Best Grove chapter of the OES, the Mount Olive Light Court, and The Daughters of ISIS. During her memberships Rebecca was nominated the Egyptian Queen Award in 2007 by the Desert of North Carolina Daughters of ISIS. She was the Treasurer for the OES and held various other positions over the years.

 

Rebecca loved her family and leaves to cherish her memory her three children; son, Alfonzo Manley Jr. of Fayetteville, NC. Her two daughters; Patricia Manley Thompson of Summerville SC, and Teresa Manley Cox (Jesse - deceased) of Goldsboro NC. Her six grandchildren: Richard Ronald Harris III, Alexander T. Thompson (Summerville SC), Patric S. Thompson (Crofton Maryland), Jasmin A. Thompson (Anchorage Alaska), and Alicia C. Manley of (Fayetteville NC). Great-Grandchildren: Natyjaih R. Dones (Dalzell SC), Raymond E. Parker III (Goldsboro NC), and Jaylah Rebecca Harris (LaGrange NC). A Great-Great Grandson Khalid Dones (Dalzell SC). One Sister: Jennie Smith King (Mount Olive NC) One Aunt: Bessie Oates (Faison NC).

 

Rebecca was proceeded in death by her husband Alfonzo Manley Sr; a son, Warren Lee Manley; and grandson, Raymond E Parker Jr.

 

Her brothers: Frank David Smith, Willie James Smith, and Thomas Earl Smith. Sisters: Hettie Virginia McCullen, and Louise Broadie.

 

Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro.

 

Professional services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.