The Obituary of Sharon Denise Manning

With deep love, heavy hearts and praises to God we celebrate the life of Sharon Denise Manning; a vibrant soul who brought warmth, joy, and unwavering devotion to everyone she met and every task she undertook. Born on January 23, 1961, in Boston, Massachusetts, Sharon was the beloved youngest child of Miriam Chase-Manning and Charles Manning.

Sharon, or "Shay" as she was affectionately known, grew up alongside her siblings Richard, Charles "Chuckie", Victor "Steven," and Loretta, all with whom she shared a deep bond. As the youngest, the older siblings all took loving care of her. Her brother Steven fondly remembers them "doting" on Sharon as the baby of the bunch. Her big sister Loretta even loved to pick out her clothes.

After migrating to Boston, the Manning family first made their home in Columbia Point before settling on Richfield Street in Dorchester. Her childhood was a rich journey of travel visiting family in various US cities, and in the islands of Barbados and Bermuda. Sharon embraced the beautiful blend of cultures, community, and family history, creating memories that shaped her bright and resilient spirit.

As a child, Sharon welcomed every opportunity for adventure. She spent her summers at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Camp and ventured into the suburbs with her sister, where they stayed with host families – taking city charm wherever they went. A proud Girl Scout, she was a fearless Brownie. Sharon embraced nature with joy—bugs and all—though not without some good-natured teasing from her sister Loretta. Both sisters loved selling cookies and making memories under the stars.

A gifted student, Sharon loved school and excelled academically, always one step ahead, even keeping her older sister in line. With a natural mind for numbers, Sharon could remember anything after seeing it just once. Though quiet, Sharon had a sharp wit, a big heart, and a contagious laugh. Always reading, and thinking, Sharon could often be found tucked in a corner with a book, until her sister insisted that she put down the book and join in the fun. Her love for education and her strong memory were values instilled by her parents, who constantly emphasized learning and discipline. Receiving her education throughout the Boston Public School system, Sharon graduated from Jeremiah E. Burke High School in 1978.

A proud mother of four girls: Keturah, Mercedes and her beloved twins, Denise, and Delores - Sharon's children were her heart. She worked tirelessly to provide, nurture, and love them fiercely.

Sharon had a strong work ethic and a heart for service. She began her professional career at Franklin Park Golf Course, before joining the Boston Public Schools system as a lunch monitor and bus monitor, where she cared deeply for the children she served. In 1988, she began a long and loyal career at State Street Financial Corporation, where she remained until retiring in 2014. Retirement didn't slow her down, she went on to work part-time at Stop & Shop in South

Bay and as a preschool bus driver for Little Saints Transportation. In all these roles, Sharon constantly stayed active and continued displaying her love for children and the community. Wherever she worked, Sharon was known for her kindness, humor, and exceptional customer service.

Friendships were very important to Sharon. Throughout her life she loved and cared for her friends, and they did the same for her. Friends like Theresa, Sandra, Daisy, Michelle, and Janelle, to name a very short few, became like sisters to her. Guys like Boom, Wayne and Kenny became her brothers. Sharon formed a special bond with Ceola Oliver and Jacqueline McClain. On weekends, as young mothers, they took their ten children (and sometimes more) to fun events, activities (Disney on Ice was a favorite) and finished their day at The Ground Round restaurant. These women formed a support system for themselves, extended family for their children and bonds that lasted a lifetime.

Sharon was full of life and color—literally and figuratively. She had a flair for fashion and an unmistakable sense of style. Her style was just that - a style all her own, and Sharon never cared what anyone thought of it. She was known for her spicy sense of humor, infectious laugh, and her signature dishes, especially fried cabbage and famous apple rum cake. Sharon shared her food generously, feeding not only family but friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of a warm meal. She loved to eat, laugh, and enjoy the moment. She was the kind of person who called her mother every morning to make sure she took her medication, remembered every child on her bus, planted flowers and nurtured them with love and care, loved music, attended concerts and jazz festivals, and who never missed playing her lottery numbers. She enjoyed sports and learned to play tennis with her brother Chuckie as her coach. She loved watching tennis matches and cheering for the Celtics with her girlfriends. She had a golden heart, and a fiery, funny sweet spirit that made every room brighter. Above all, Sharon absolutely loved her family. Oftentimes a steady hand in moments of chaos, a warm presence at every celebration, and a guiding light to her children, grandchildren, church family, and all whom she touched through her work. Sharon left an indelible impression on all who knew her.

A woman of great faith, Sharon's spiritual roots were planted early as she was raised in the church, attending Grace and Hope Mission in Egleston Square. Later she became an active and devoted member of the Historic Charles Street AME Church. There she found her spiritual home and served in various ministries including Thomas Sr./Webster Unit of the Sarah Gorham Women's Missionary Society, Food Pantry, Church School (as secretary and later elementary school teacher), FYRE Liturgical Dance, Ushers and Nurses Ministries for which she was a coordinator, Media Ministry, Department of Christian Education, Adult Church School, Sister2Sister Bible Study and the Trustee Board. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, Sharon was one of ten members who made their way to church every Sunday to administer the COVID test to ministers and worship participants. Sharon undeniably lived her faith through leadership, commitment, action, devotion and love.

After a hard-fought private battle with cancer, Sharon passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, surrounded with prayers and the love of her family and friends. Sharon was greeted at

Heaven's gate by her parents and brother Chuckie, and niece Katrice Paulding and most importantly by Jesus.

To forever cherish her memory and carry her rich legacy forward with strength and pride, Sharon leaves behind her beloved daughters: Keturah Manning-Holley (Ronald), Mercedes Manning, Denise Manning, and Delores Manning-Sexton (Maurice). Grandchildren: Derek, De'Syree, Rae'Jonay, Dawayne, Lailonah, Londen, and Lauren; siblings: Richard Chase (Marilyn), Victor "Steven" Manning, and Loretta Paulding (Russell Sr.) and twelve nieces and nephews, many cousins and relatives. Sharon also leaves behind special friend Devon Boswell. She will be greatly missed by a host of extended family, spiritual sisters, Charles Street Church family, and friends.

Sharon Manning was bold, loving, and unforgettable. She leaves a legacy of kindness, laughter, resilience, service, deep abiding love and most importantly her love of God. Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but her spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her.

May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she gave so freely.