Jean Bowman Manning

Jean Bowman Manning of Medina, OH passed away on Monday November 17, 2025 at the age of 95. Born on March 19, 1930 in Butler, PA, daughter of Chester Bowman and Mary (Argenbright) Bowman Kennedy. Sister to Helen, Ruth Anne and Ronald.

Jean graduated from Butler High School and went on to obtain her college degree in business education from the State Teachers College in Indiana, PA. After graduation, she worked for the federal government in Washington DC. She enjoyed exploring the DC area, but truly missed her family. She decided to take a job as a teacher near her sister Helen in York, PA. As a teacher she taught business classes at York High School. She then met her husband, Robert Manning, an electrical engineer who had graduated from Penn State University. They were married on August 15, 1959, in York and a few years later started their family. They had 2 sons, Kevin and Neal.

Over the next 20 years, the family moved from York to Bellefontaine, OH and then to Burlington, NC. Eventually making their way back to Pennsylvania to live in Hollidaysburg. During this time, she remained active in the Presbyterian church and was an ordained elder. She devoted her time to the church where she taught Sunday school and bible study. Jean was very outgoing and built strong friendships in all the communities where she lived. She joined PEO and remained an active member for over 50 years.

She could quickly adapt to each community she lived in and always cheered for the local sports teams. She developed an unwavering love of Penn State football which she maintained to the end. Watching or listening to the games anyway she could. She had a good memory for games and players past and present.

Jean also discovered her artistic capabilities and took up painting and quilting. She joined quilting groups and made beautiful quilts for her grandchildren which they still cherish. She had a secret desire to be an interior designer and was frequently redecorating the houses she lived in.

She moved to Medina, OH to be close to family and found a supportive community at the Granger Condominiums. She enjoyed the friends and shared stories with her book club.

She was a loving grandmother to 5 grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with them and celebrating their accomplishments.

She is survived by her 2 children, Kevin (Rose) Manning and Neal (Karen) Manning; her brother Ronald (Dianne) Bowman; her grandchildren Andrea (Gavin) Manning-Powers, Brian Manning, Kendra Manning (partner Devonté), Heather (Austin) Manning-Lee and Vince Manning (fiancé Claire), and great grandson Kenté. Many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews who she always looked forward to spending time with at family reunions.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 32 years, Robert Manning; her sisters Helen Spangler and Ruth Anne Blose, brothers-in-law George Spangler and James Blose.

Jean was such a kind and loving individual. This is evident with her daughters-in-law, who considered her a mother more than a mother-in-law. Her loving spirit left a lasting impression on the people who knew her.

Funeral services will be planned in the spring with date to be announced. She requested any donations be made to the Northminster Presbyterian Church in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333 (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)