First Lady Debra Ann Manning

Debra Ann Foster Manning was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina on April 16, 1958, to Norman Foster and Birdie Mae Foster Copeland. She was the second of five children born to this union. Growing up in Inman, South Carolina, Debra received her education through the public school system and graduated from Gaffney High School.

In the1970s, while at the Rollerland Skating Rink in Spartanburg, Debra caught the eye of a handsome gentleman named Jerry M. Manning. The two dated, fell in love, and were joined into holy matrimony on November 29, 1979. Debra took pride in her family and was a dedicated wife to her husband and devoted and protective mother to their children.

Having an interest in the beauty industry, Debra enrolled into cosmetology school where she quickly became a Licensed Cosmetologist. She worked for herself for many years, making countless women even more beautiful than they were when they arrived. At the same time, Debra worked for several companies including Nestle’s Food Company, BIC Corporation, McDonald's Restaurant, and she did domestic work for several families in the city. Debra was a hard-working woman; yet none of these jobs could compare to her primary job of being a wife and mother.

Another very important part of Debra's life was serving God. As a child, she was a member of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, in Inman. South Carolina, then under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Gaffney. After she was married, Debra and her husband joined Mike's Creek Missionary Baptist Church, currently under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Dr. Courtney Mills. There, she worked tirelessly in the ministry as the President of YWA, Co-Founder of the Couples Ministry and she was a member of several choirs. After many years, her husband was called to Pastor the Jerusalem Baptist Church, and once again, Debra worked tirelessly on the Sisters in Christ Ministry and Food Ministry. In addition, Debra and Reverend Dr. Jerry Manning had a ministry of their own to supply food and encouragement to the bereaved and sick and shut-in families in the community. Debra was truly a woman after God’s own heart, because everything she did was in effort to please and honor God.

Today as we remember Debra Ann Foster Manning, we remember a kindhearted, loving, and nurturing woman who tried to live a life that was pleasing to God. She was a mother to her own children and many others who called her Mom or “Momma Deb”. She enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and serving her family and others. She was an encouraging and praying woman and one that if you ever met her; you would never forget her. She will be missed dearly.

On February 14, 2024, our beloved Debra Ann Foster Manning departed this life. She was preceded in death by her parents: Birdie Mae Foster Copeland and Norman Foster; siblings, Ida Mae Foster Harbison, and Charles Edward Foster; and grandson T’Andre Smith.

She leaves cherished memories to her loving husband, Reverend Dr. Jerry M. Manning; children: Jvan Manning and Chad Manning; grandchildren: Breyonna Jeter, J’vez McSwain, Ya’Navia Cromer, and Jamerson Wise; siblings: Clyde (Jackie) Foster, Jr., Dorothy Foster Lyles and a host of other relatives and loving friends.

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