Obituary

"Take care of each other." Those words, often spoken by Joann Manning, captured the essence of
a life devoted to family, service, and community. She passed away in Jacksonville, Florida,
leaving a profound and lasting legacy.

For more than two decades, Joann dedicated herself to public service, nonprofit leadership, and
civic engagement, guided by the belief that opportunity, paired with care and accountability,
could change lives. She was widely respected for her work at the Jacksonville Job Corps Center,
where, as Business and Community Liaison and Career Transition Specialist, she forged
enduring partnerships with employers, educators, elected officials, and community organizations.

Through her efforts, students moved from training into meaningful employment and higher
education, and under her stewardship, the center consistently ranked among the nation's top
programs.

In her prior role as executive director of the Wayman Community Development Corporation,
Joann led programs focused on youth development, literacy, mentoring, and family support,
strengthening operations, expanding fundraising, and ensuring vital services reached families in
need.

A passionate advocate for children affected by HIV/AIDS, Joann devoted significant time to
Camp Sunshine–Jacksonville, helping create spaces where children and families could
experience joy, confidence, and belonging. She also volunteered extensively with the American
Cancer Society, contributing more than 2,000 hours and serving in leadership roles.

Her civic engagement extended to numerous boards and commissions, including Girls Inc. of
Jacksonville, Hope Haven Children's Hospital, the Mayor's Commission on the Status of
Women, Leadership Jacksonville, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her work earned many
honors, including Public Citizen of the Year, Employee of the Year and Employee of the Month
at Jacksonville Job Corps, and the Hands On Jacksonville Health Award.

Professionally accomplished and deeply compassionate, Joann was known for leading with
purpose, mentoring with heart, and serving with integrity. She measured success not by
accolades but by lives steadied, doors opened, and futures made possible.

She was predeceased by her parents and her niece, Nicole Thompson McIntosh. She is survived
by her children, Michael J. Henderson, Esq. (Shaneika Dabney-Henderson) and Chloe F.
Henderson; grandchildren, Kendall Grymes, Cameron Henderson, Cassidy Henderson, and
Creed Henderson; sisters, Josephine Anderson Thompson, PhD, MSNRN, and Bernice Walker;
aunts, Bernice Dexter, Verdell King, Mary Helen Frazier, and Gloria Jean Nunn (Marty); niece
and nephew, Tameka Hall (Darryl) and Leroy Thompson; and numerous other relatives and
friends.

Joann Manning's legacy of service, leadership, and love for her community will continue to
inspire generations to come.