Anne Getsinger Manning

Anne Manning, age 99, of Springfield VA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7th, 2019. She was the first born to P.E. Getsinger, a Preacher, and his patrician wife, Fannie, on the family’s farm in the rural community of Farmlife in Martin County N.C. After high school, Anne graduated from King’s Business College in Raleigh N.C. and worked as a bookkeeper for the Standard Fertilizer Company in Williamston, N.C. Anne married in November 1943 to Col. Simon Manning, who proceeded her in death in 1992. At age 18, Anne began a lifetime commitment volunteering for the Red Cross. Family, church and community were always in the foreground for Anne and her husband, Si, while he served active duty for 32 years in the U.S. Air Force (USAF). As a full-time wife and mother, she managed to make a career in volunteering countless service hours to her community. Anne excelled as a dynamic leader for various church, service, and community groups who appreciated her enthusiasm and stamina. She was a former president and active member of the Air Force Officers’ Spouses’ Club (AFOSC), presiding and hosting the club’s welfare events. She helped various base chapels as Sunday school (SS) teacher, SS & VBS director, and office helper. Always the devoted volunteer for the local Red Cross. She had no trouble finding a garden club, community service group, or bridge club to join. She was proud to be the Volunteered Class Parent (for every child’s class) and had a blast being Den Mother for a few Boy Scout’s troops. Involved in all of her children’s interests and sports, she was their cheering supporter and enthusiast. Si and Anne retired in Northern Virginia but that did not slow her devotion to serve others. Remaining active well into her nineties, Anne enjoyed working for area charities including: The Red Cross Blood Mobiles, Meals on Wheels, and ACCA (Annandale Christian Community for Action). She also remained very active organizing and participating in many church activities at FPCA (First Presbyterian Church of Annandale). She was always on the go. Anne was elected hostess for any occasion especially parties and social gatherings. When asked which of the numerous service award she’d gotten throughout her lifetime had meant the most to her: She said receiving the Presbyterian Women’s and Church’s Honorary Life Time Membership presented to her by her husband, Si, at Frist Presbyterian Church of Annandale (FPCA) was her favorite. Many loved Anne’s humor and treasured her company because of the joy she shared freely, especially with the homebound and the ill. She remained sharp, witty, humorous, and ever grateful for her many blessings. Anne lived the life deserving of, and recognized by others from the title they gave her, The Queen. Anne was at ease in conversations shared during special encounters with Julia Child, President Jimmy Carter, Jan Karon, Natalie Dupree, Alexander McCall Smith, Paula Deen, and Isabelle von Boch. She was an avid reader, crossword puzzle enthusiast, and had a passion for collecting cookbooks. Anne appreciated all of nature, especially her birds at her feeders and the beauty flowers brought to any occasion. Anne’s artistic talent was expressed often with hands busily crafting something, usually for someone else. A good lifelong friend, mother and grandmother who loved and cared for us all. She is survived by her sons, Gary Manning of Cary, NC; John Alden, and wife Heidi, of League City, TX; Paul Manning of Springfield, VA; and by her daughter, Nancy Manning of Springfield, VA; and by her “daughter” Buzzy Manning of Tahlequah, OK. Proud Grandmother of six grandchildren: Brian Manning, Gina Manning, Jennifer Manning, Samuel Manning, Simon Manning, and Aura Alden. Three precious great-grandchildren: Benjamin Harpster, Malcolm Manning, and Iris Robles. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family and friends. Also, a special friend, caretaker, and companion Alice Baranowski, who fulfilled in full measure the peace in Anne’s final journey home. Anne was preceded in death by husband, her parents, and sisters: Sarah Harrington and Pearl “Nookie” Williams. The Family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Annandale. 7610 Newcastle Dr, Annandale, VA 22003. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family request you make a charitable donation in memory of Anne to the American Red Cross, or Vitas Healthcare, or the First Presbyterian Church of Annandale.