Obituary for Erma Olene Manley
Erma Olene Manley, Altus resident, formerly of Tipton, passed away at the Courtyard at Magnolia Creek in Altus, Ok on June 15, 2022. Erma was 91 at the time of her death. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home & Crematory of Altus.
Erma was born in Tipton, Oklahoma on December 7, 1930, and was the only child of John A. DeYong and Thelma (Morton) DeYong. She grew up in Tipton and was a member of the graduating class of 1948. She seemed to be the perfect child although she managed to steal her dad’s tractor and ride around Tipton with her friends in tow! Erma went on to matriculate at Cameron A&M University in 1948-1950. She completed her education at Oklahoma State University A &M in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
Following her college graduation, she returned to southwest Oklahoma to work in the newsroom of the Altus Times-Democrat newspaper as the sports editor. In 1955 Erma relocated to Wichita Falls, Texas to work at the Chamber of Commerce.
While living in Wichita Falls, Texas, Erma met the love of her life, James Manley, on a blind date. The two were married on December 30, 1955, and spent 59 blessed years together until James' passing in November of 2015. Because James was in the United States Air Force, the couple and their children spent time in Texas, Colorado, Hawaii, and the Philippines. The family relocated from Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ to Altus, Oklahoma following James' retirement from the military to be closer to Erma's home. After the children were older Erma started working as a secretary at the First Methodist Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Altus, Oklahoma.
Outside of work, Erma enjoyed spending time with her extended family. She also loved family history and digging around to find out information about her ancestry. Erma especially looked forward to family reunions where she could share her knowledge and discoveries. She and James were devoted grandparents and always made time for their grandchildren. She was an avid follower of all OSU sports and bled orange and black. A woman of strong faith, Erma believed in the power of prayer. She was raised in the Methodist church and joined the Highland Heights Methodist Church in the late 1970s. She was also active in the Military Wives club.
Erma's kindness, love for her family, and true concern for others will forever be remembered by all who knew her.
Preceding her in death were her husband James (2015), and her parents, James and Thelma DeYong.
Left to cherish the warmth of her everlasting memory are her two daughters: Denise Phelan and husband John, of Altus and Gayle Sevedge and husband Michael of Ada; five grandchildren: Christen Burson and husband Bryan of Missouri, Matthew Phelan of Altus, Nick Sevedge and wife Amanda of Ada, Erica Winchester of Ada, and Jonathan Sevedge of Ada; 13 great-grandchildren: Brenley, Katelyn, Preston, Taylor, J.D., Braylee, Ashlyn, Caden, Kacee, Zayne, Camden, Tessa, and Jagger; four great-great grandchildren: Jeffry, Thomas, Forest, and Laney; as well as a host of other relatives, friends, neighbors, and church family.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2022, at Highland Heights United Methodist Church, Altus, Oklahoma. Committal services will follow at Altus City Cemetery, Altus, Oklahoma.
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Erma was born in Tipton, Oklahoma on December 7, 1930, and was the only child of John A. DeYong and Thelma (Morton) DeYong. She grew up in Tipton and was a member of the graduating class of 1948. She seemed to be the perfect child although she managed to steal her dad’s tractor and ride around Tipton with her friends in tow! Erma went on to matriculate at Cameron A&M University in 1948-1950. She completed her education at Oklahoma State University A &M in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in journalism.
Following her college graduation, she returned to southwest Oklahoma to work in the newsroom of the Altus Times-Democrat newspaper as the sports editor. In 1955 Erma relocated to Wichita Falls, Texas to work at the Chamber of Commerce.
While living in Wichita Falls, Texas, Erma met the love of her life, James Manley, on a blind date. The two were married on December 30, 1955, and spent 59 blessed years together until James' passing in November of 2015. Because James was in the United States Air Force, the couple and their children spent time in Texas, Colorado, Hawaii, and the Philippines. The family relocated from Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ to Altus, Oklahoma following James' retirement from the military to be closer to Erma's home. After the children were older Erma started working as a secretary at the First Methodist Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Altus, Oklahoma.
Outside of work, Erma enjoyed spending time with her extended family. She also loved family history and digging around to find out information about her ancestry. Erma especially looked forward to family reunions where she could share her knowledge and discoveries. She and James were devoted grandparents and always made time for their grandchildren. She was an avid follower of all OSU sports and bled orange and black. A woman of strong faith, Erma believed in the power of prayer. She was raised in the Methodist church and joined the Highland Heights Methodist Church in the late 1970s. She was also active in the Military Wives club.
Erma's kindness, love for her family, and true concern for others will forever be remembered by all who knew her.
Preceding her in death were her husband James (2015), and her parents, James and Thelma DeYong.
Left to cherish the warmth of her everlasting memory are her two daughters: Denise Phelan and husband John, of Altus and Gayle Sevedge and husband Michael of Ada; five grandchildren: Christen Burson and husband Bryan of Missouri, Matthew Phelan of Altus, Nick Sevedge and wife Amanda of Ada, Erica Winchester of Ada, and Jonathan Sevedge of Ada; 13 great-grandchildren: Brenley, Katelyn, Preston, Taylor, J.D., Braylee, Ashlyn, Caden, Kacee, Zayne, Camden, Tessa, and Jagger; four great-great grandchildren: Jeffry, Thomas, Forest, and Laney; as well as a host of other relatives, friends, neighbors, and church family.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2022, at Highland Heights United Methodist Church, Altus, Oklahoma. Committal services will follow at Altus City Cemetery, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Erma Olene Manley, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Funeral
Friday
17
Jun
2:00 PM
Highland Heights United Methodist Church
1911 N Main St, Altus, OK 73521
Altus, OK 73521
Cemetery Details
Location
Altus City Cemetery
Falcon and Veterans Dr.
Altus, OK 73521
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