Nerissa S (Shepard) Mann

MANN, Nerissa S. a resident of Montgomery, Alabama passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at her residence. Nerissa S. Mann was born August 6, 1941, to the late Bernard and Loleta Shepard. She began her early education at Alabama State Laboratory Elementary School and continued through grade twelve where she finished. She earned the Bettye Crocker Cooking Award during her tenth-grade year. Nerissa enrolled at Alabama State University with a Major in Elementary Education and a Minor in Physical Education. During her matriculation at Alabama State, she became a cheerleader.

She accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Paul Methodist Church. She later met and married Hersheil Mann in May 1961 through which God blessed that union with two beautiful children, Darryl A. Mann, and Yolonda P. Mann. Yolonda united with Charles Johnson to give that family their Grandson, Rodney Johnson.

Nerissa loved and adored her family to whom she continually expressed that you must always maintain unity in family, for the family is a divine gift that must be loved, cherished, and bonded together. She believed in "Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow, Live Today, FAMILY is EVERYTHING." Nerissa instilled into her family that, "Every Story is Beautiful, But Ours is my Favorite."

She began her teaching career, after finishing Alabama State University, at Carver Elementary School and she was transferred to Daisy Lawrence Elementary School and then to Highland Gardens Elementary School where the Education Supervisor selected her to do a "Master Teacher" demonstration. After teaching for two years, Nerissa enrolled in Alabama State University School of Graduate Studies where she earned a Master of Education Degree with a Concentration in Reading. After finishing her course work, Nerissa wrote her thesis entitled, "A Survey of the Disparity Between Reading Readiness Skills Needed in Elementary School." Nerissa completed her requirements in 1984.

She united with her husband at the Historical First Baptist Church of Montgomery under the leadership of Pastor E. Baxter Morris where she immediately became involved in the Christian Education activities. Soon to become a Sunday School Teacher, where her husband, Deacon Hersheil Mann was Superintendent and later to become Chairwoman of the Deaconess Ministry. Nerissa soon became involved in the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education COPP program.

Hersheil and Nerissa later transferred their membership to Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorship of Pastor Walter Ellis. She immediately fell in love with the Pilgrim Rest Congregation family and instantly began working with their Christian Education Program, soon to become an assistant Sunday School teacher. She, without delay, restarted her work in the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education Teacher Training program, where she finished the COPP program becoming a National Baptist Congress of Christian Education Certified Teacher of Bible Studies.

Nerissa loved Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church better known as "THE REST" and admired Pastor and Mrs. Ellis unconditionally. Nerissa and Dr. Hersheil Mann shared sixty-four joyful, loving, and cherishing God ordained years together with much happiness.

She is a member of the Deaconess Ministry, the Christian Leadership Teacher Preparation Ministry and Head Sunday School Teacher for the Adult Women Class.

Nerissa leaves to cherish and love her golden memories, her husband, Dr. Hersheil Mann, son, Darryl A. Mann, grandson, Rodney Johnson, Brother: Elliott (Kay) Turner; Sister: Geraldine (Eugene) Knox, Nieces: Kawana Turner, Indy Turner, Ariel Turner, Mellisa Carter, Al from Montgomery, AL; Sabrina (Jeremy) Wells, Birmingham, AL; Suzi (Shannon) Osborne, Houston, TX, Nephews: Elliott A. Turner, Chris (Jane) Knox, Al from Montgomery, AL., Cousins: Azalie (William) Hightower, Dillard Menchan, Alma Bullock, Timothy (Josephine) Brown, Al from Washington, DC, Special Friends: Jessica Burt, Maurice & LaKeshia Donerlson, John Burt, Jr, DeKemeon Burt, Jaline Burt, John Burt, Ill, Lesley Burt; Kimberly Reese, Marie Free, Donna Davis, Jeanetta Rudolph, Wanda Wooley, Shamarianne Peterson, and Vanessa Green.

On November 20, 2024, Nerissa answered God's call to come home to be with the Lord, whom she loved unconditionally. Having lived a life of faith, service, and love for Christ and her brothers and sisters in Christ. Her glowing disposition, infectious smile, glamorous personality, and love of Christ will forever be missed by all who had the opportunity to pass her way. She will leave a lasting impression on every soul she touched.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024- 10:30am at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1550 East Washington Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36107.  Visitation will Friday, November 29, 2024 - 12:00pm to 6:00pm at Magnolia Cremations & Funeral Services, 901 South McDonough Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104.

As we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time, we would also like to express our upmost gratitude to you for entrusting us with your loved one. Magnolia Cremations & Funeral Services.

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