Mrs. Shirley Ann Evans Manuel
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“God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”
Shirley Ann Evans Manuel, born on November 4, 1949, in Chesterfield County, Virginia, entered into eternal rest in the peace and presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 4, 2026. A beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, Shirley accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and remained steadfast in her walk with Him. Her faith guided her journey and shaped her into a woman of great kindness, generosity, and strength.
Anyone who met or knew Shirley was impressed by her stunning smile, fun-loving spirit, and gem-dropping wisdom. She was a woman who walked to the beat of her own drum and was unapologetic about her life decisions. In her words, “It made me a stronger person, and I learned to trust God even more”. Her personal motto was, “You must get it from the rough in order to appreciate the things that God gives you”, a reflection of her resilience, faith, and gratitude.
Shirley proudly retired from Chesterfield County Public Schools, where she served the school community for 18 years. In addition, she served as the Head Case Manager for the Hopewell Office of The Salvation Army, touching countless lives through her leadership, advocacy, and heartfelt commitment to helping those in need.
Family was the focus of Shirley’s life, and she loved her family fiercely.
Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Coy Evans; her husband of 43 years Johnnie James Manuel, brothers, McCoy Evans and Willie Joe Evans; and her youngest son, Kenneth Christopher Manuel.
She is survived by her devoted and loving children, Kandy and Glen Manuel; her beautiful mother, Viola G. Evans; and her cherished baby-sister, Dale Evans (Floyd). She is also survived by loving and supportive daughters-in-law, Bridget and Whitney Manuel; sisters-in-law, Rebecca ‘Duffy” Evans and Cindy Manuel; David “Uncle Roy” Evans, Sr., and cousin-sister, Christabelle Goode.
Shirley’s precious grandchildren, who were the apples of her eye, include Shara Stith, Shannon Webb, Melvin Stith (Taniequa), Desiree Manuel, Breanna Manuel, Jaimee Manuel, Tatyana Arthur (George), Kori Manuel, Kaleia Manuel, and Kayla Manuel.
Her great-grandchildren, who brought her much joy, are Shatonia Webb, Antonio Webb, Xavier Webb, Makayla Webb, Gabrielle Stith, Mahogany Stith, Gianni Johnson, Caleb Arthur, Kehlani Blow, Paisley Blow, and “Little Man” Sincere Dixon.
Additional loved ones include a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended loved ones, including her lifelong friends and prayer warriors, Juanita Floyd Cox, Dorthy “Dot” Parham, Sukie Hurley, Gertrude Taylor, Judy, Burgess, and Rose Walker.
Shirley leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and grace, one that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her life’s journey.
A special thank you for the many prayers, visits, and love extended to the Manuel Family. A big thank you to the Hospice Community, Third Baptist Church Family, Christy- CNA, Mary- Social Worker, Father Thierry- Chaplain, Mykalah- Nurse and the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment.
Celebration of Life services for Mrs. Shirley Ann Evans Manuel will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, Virginia with Rev. Dr. Kassandra Bullocks, Pastor, Officiant, and Rev. Marie Peterson, Eulogist, Dundas Chapel RZUA Church Dundas, VA. Interment to follow at the Dinwiddie Memorial Park Cemetery, 7324 Church Rd, Petersburg, VA.
Public viewing will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment.
The family is asked to assemble at the residence, 415 Mulberry Street, Petersburg Virginia at 9:45 am on the day of the service.
Service may be viewed by Live Stream
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, Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., and Ricky Montgomery Funeral Director. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”