Mrs. Andrenia Sandra Manning was born in Plum Branch, South Carolina, to the late Robert and Marie Freeman. From the beginning, her life was marked by grace, strength, service, and a generous spirit that touched all who knew her.

Andrenia was a proud member of the Austin High School Class of 1950, where she played trombone in the Marching Band. Her education and determination set her on the path to becoming a licensed beautician. For more than 50 years, she served as a respected member of the Knoxville Beauticians League, styling countless members of the community but especially many friends and family. Through her work, she not only helped others look their best, but also exposed her children to people, opportunities, and possibilities that would shape their lives.

As a member of the Knoxville Beauticians League, Andrenia participated in hairstyle competitions and helped plan the annual Beautician’s Ball, a premier community event in its day. Her beauty shop became more than a place of business; it was a community hub where friendships were formed, encouragement was shared, and many found support while sitting in her chair. She inspired her daughter Karen to follow in her footsteps and become a licensed beautician and barber. Andrenia was especially known for her “hot comb” styles, which were sometimes straighter than a fresh perm.

With her welcoming personality and wonderful culinary gifts, Andrenia became “Mom” and “Auntie” to many people who passed through her doors. In her home, there was always soul food for the body and for the spirit. Homemade rolls, pound cakes, fried chicken, fish, fresh collards, macaroni and cheese, and her special buttered cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet were among the many expressions of her love. Many pulled up a chair at her table to enjoy a warm meal, meaningful conversation, and, if they stayed long enough, a card game. Bid Whiz and Spades were her games, and Quiet Winner was her name. She enjoyed entertaining, whether through meals, cards, conversations about current events, or watching football with friends and family. She was also an avid bowler for many years as part of a team in the Knoxville Women’s Bowling Association.

Family meant everything to Andrenia. She faithfully participated in the Freeman-Wells Family Reunion, held each year during the last weekend of July. This treasured tradition has continued for 59 years and will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year in Asheville, North Carolina, the family’s birthplace. For the past several years, Andrenia was honored as the oldest living member of the family during the annual banquet. Through recorded interviews with her and other family elders, precious stories, memories, and family connections have been preserved to encourage future generations to continue gathering and celebrating their rich history.

Above all, Andrenia was a strong woman of God who practiced the ministry of hospitality every day. She welcomed and assisted strangers into her home and into God’s house with compassion and love. She was a faithful member of Bethel A.M.E. Church until her health prevented her from attending. Over the years, she participated in Sunday School, Bible studies, and served as a member of the Chancel Choir. Many will remember hearing her harmonize in that tenor voice, singing praises to the Lord alongside family members in church and wherever the Spirit moved. She also served in organizations including the Josephine Sink Missionary Society, the South Carolina Club, Hospitality Committee, and other ministries.

Andrenia also enjoyed crafting, including knitting and crocheting. In more recent years, she lovingly hand-crocheted many blankets and gifted them to family, friends, and even nurses during hospital stays. Her heart was as big as the universe. She never turned away someone in need and was always ready with a listening ear, an encouraging word, a warm meal, and, when needed, a safe place to lay one’s head.

On the afternoon of June 26, 2026, Andrenia quietly entered eternal rest in her home, surrounded by the sounds she loved so well: lively discussion, laughter, children playing, and her favorite game shows on television. Her family loved on her as she had loved on them, keeping her comfortable, caring for her tenderly, rubbing in lotions, praying over her, and ensuring she was surrounded by love. The 24-hour care provided by her children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and others who loved her was considered an honor for one who had loved so unconditionally.

Andrenia was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marie Freeman; her husband, Jack Manning Sr.; her brothers, Robert Freeman Jr., Josephus Freeman and Reuben Wells; and her great-grandson, Joseph Manning Jr.

She leaves a legacy of love to live on through her children, Jack L. Manning Jr. (Becky), Karen A. Smith (Joseph), Cynthia M. Dirl (Walter), and Clifford W. Manning; grandchildren, Shelia L. Steele (Terence) of Georgia, Kassandra Davidson (Jeffery) of North Carolina, Jack L. Manning III (Tene) of Georgia, Teresa Manning of Michigan, Julian B. Manning of Washington, Joseph D. Manning, Walter “Chad” and Alexandria J. Dirl of Tennessee.

She is also lovingly remembered by a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, including Izetta J’Nae (JD), Breondra, Terlisha, Terence “TJ”, Kaila, Kortnie, Jesslyn, Shanice, Aaliyah (Tre), JaQuan, DeMariya “DJ”, Beautiful, Jailyn, Kaylee, Devi, Jack IV, Haziah, Haley (Martin), Camryn, Carmen, Colin, Cydni, and Kiyah. Her great-great-grandchildren include RuMya, Briela, Tyasja, Dre, Brielle, Malaya, Serenity, Moana, William, and one on the way.

She also leaves to cherish her memory many other relatives and friends, including the Freeman-Wells family; sisters-in-law Mamosa Foster, Eleanor Manning, and Shirley Freeman; nieces and nephews; goddaughters Velvette Thacker Jones, Sharron and Candace Blackstock; special friends & cousins to include: Eddie Wells, Dollie Motley, Irene Bowen, Mac Wells, Jim Ferguson, Charles Shelby, Rev. James Owens, Alma Lennon, Edith Whitman, Mildred Taylor, Teresa Whaley, longtime neighbor, Mrs. Margaret Lovely, and others whose lives were blessed by her presence.

To know Andrenia was to know warmth, strength, wisdom, faith, and love. Her life was a testimony of service, hospitality, perseverance, and devotion to God and family. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy will continue in every life she touched, every meal shared, every song sung, every blanket made with love, and every family gathering where her spirit will forever be remembered.