Mother Leila L. Mann

Leila Mann was born on June 30, 1930, in Lincolnton, Georgia to Ken and Thelma (Starks) Leverett. After the passing of her mother when she was six years old, she was reared in the home of her uncle and aunt, the late Pelham and Pecola Starks.

At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour. She was Baptized and joined New Tabernacle Baptist Church. Later in life she joined First Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Dunnellon under the pastorate of the late Rev. James Brooks and served faithfully for over 65 years.

She was educated in Lincolnton Training Center in 1957.

She was an incredible cook who could make anyone feel at home with a warm meal, especially the way she cooked her collard greens. Rarely seen without a hat on Sundays in church, she leaves family with fond memories of her love for hats. She has finally traded her beloved hats for a crown.

She met and married John Mann, Sr. in 1965, who was the love of her life and best friend. After his demise, she remained dedicated to the love and memories they shared.

Leila was a dedicated servant in the Lord’s House. She served faithfully at First Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where she was currently serving as the Mother of the Church and a Deaconess. She set the Communion table for The Lord’s Supper for many years. She sang Soprano in the Senior Choir until recent years when her health began to fail. She always attended Sunday School, Bible Study and in recent years was a fervent prayer warrior during the newly formed Afternoon Prayer Group.

She was preceded in death by her parents Pelham and Pecola Starks, Brothers Marshall Leverett, Leroy Starks, and William Starks. Sisters Della Leverette, Willie Emma Barksdale, and Jeanette Starks.

LEILA LEAVES TO CHERISH HER MEMORIES:

Special Devoted Niece: Beverly Barksdale of Augusta, Georgia

Devoted Nieces: Janie Mae Bradley, Alma Dimery, and Frankie Fitzpatrick of Atlanta, Georgia

Nephews: Patrick (Lashanda) Barksdale, Bernard Barksdale, Jason Barksdale of Augusta, Georgia, Malcolm (Annette) Starks, Gregory (Carolyn) Starks and Cepeda Starks, all of Atlanta, Georgia.

Special cousin: Susie Barksdale, Augusta, Georgia

Godson: Dexter Allen of Dunnellon, Florida

“The Best Posse Crew”

Honorary Son: Curley (Anita) Williams, Jr.

Honorary Daughter: Maxine (Leo) Thomas, Julia Dennis, Frances (Eugene) Taylor, Cynthia (Douglas) Joyner, and Ruth Churchwell.

The family wishes to extend special gratitude to Renata Thomas, Ernest Mills III, Tony Mills, Roberto (Rachel) Terrell, Ken Frazier, Courtney (Len) Moore, and Alex (April) Frazier for their frequent check-ins and support. They were considered family.

Leila also leaves behind Eulalia Dixon, Regenia (Archie) Jefferies, Iris (Willie) Thomas, Ron (Jennifer) Leslie, Dennis Daniels, Mary Brown and Al Wright who offered unwavering support.