Obituary
“I fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7
On June 25, 2023, at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA, God called Kenneth home from labor to reward. Kenneth Christopher Manuel was born on March 17, 1976, in Petersburg, VA to Shirley Ann Manuel (Evans) and the late Johnnie James Manuel Jr.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Coy Evans, Johnnie Manuel Sr., and Christine Manuel; Uncles Willie (Joe) Evans (Shirley) and McCoy Evans. Kenneth graduated from Matoaca High School in 1994.
He attended the Third Baptist Church under the pastorship of Pastor Leroy Cherry.
For Kenneth cutting hair was not just a job, but his passion and purpose for making others feel better about themselves. He worked at numerous barbershops in Petersburg, Virginia before moving to Charlottesville, Va in 2014. It wasn’t long before he found his home away from home, A Cut Above the Rest Barbershop. It was there that he formed a bond with his coworkers and clients.
He was the life of the party and always made his presence known. He loved to make people laugh and smile. The birth of his grandson was the highlight of his life and the apple of his eye, a proud papa. He enjoyed cooking, traveling and spending time with his family.
He always made sure that his girls were equipped to meet life challenges by putting them in boxing, karate, and other activities, he always said” What are you going to do Build or Destroy. He never let his health control his life, he was determined to provide for his family no matter what.
On July 18, 2019, Kenneth C. Manuel was initiated into the Pride of Virginia Lodge No.122 of Charlottesville, Va. He was an active member and he served as the Junior Warden. He enjoyed spending time with his lodge brothers, he provided meals to the homeless annually at the Haven, he provided free meals to the Buckingham community; He adopted a family every Christmas and he sponsored his daughter’s softball team in 2021.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Whitney Johnson Manuel, four daughters; Tatyana Arthur (George), and Kori Manuel of Chesterfield, Va; Kaleia and Kayla Manuel of Scottsville, Va; one grandson, Caleb Arthur of Chesterfield, Va. his mother, Shirley Manuel of Petersburg, Va; grandmother, Viola Evans of Chesterfield, Va. One sister, Kandy Manuel of Petersburg, Va; three brothers, Glen Manuel (Bridget) of Petersburg, Va; Dedric Cooke of Williamsburg, Va; Thalmus Reed (Kendra) of Hampton, Va; his father and mother-in-law, James and Leslie Johnson of Scottsville, Va. two brothers in laws, Lamar Johnson of Scottsville, Va and Trey Lee of Waynesboro, Va., devoted grandmother in law, Joan Toney of Scottsville, Va; five aunties, Dale Evans of Dinwiddie, Va, and Rebecca Evans of Chesterfield, Va; Cynthia Austin of Howardsville, Va; Lisa Johnson (Daniel) of Dillwyn, Va, and Eve Gough (Chris) of Arvonia,Va.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, devoted friends and clients.
Celebration of life services for Mr. Kenneth Christopher Manuel will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 2:00pm from the Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street Petersburg, Va. with Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Pastor, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church Of God In Christ Petersburg Virginia, officiating.
Public viewing will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm at the J.L. Dodson & Sons Funeral Establishment. The family is asked to assemble at the residence, 415 Mulberry Street, Petersburg, Va. at 12:45pm on the day of the service.
For the health and safety of attendees, masks are required at all visitations and services. Attendees are asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Masks are required at all visitations and services. Attendance may be limited. Attendees are asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Service may be viewed by Live Stream at /https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/LiveStream http://www.facebook.com/jldodsonandsons
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia. (804) 732-5959 or (804) 834-3330, Reverend Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr. Funeral Director. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com “Our Family Servicing Your Family”
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