Bessie Rae Manning, 87, passed away on March 20, 2012. She was born in Nash County on October 22, 1924 to the late Melton Mercer and Mattie Bone Mercer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Arthur Ray Manning; son, Bryan Keith Manning and two brothers, Loomis Mercer and Cecil Mercer.

She is survived by her sons, Bernard Ray Manning and wife, Ann of Nashville and Steve Allen Manning and wife Stacy of Elm City; daughter, Sheila M. Rose and husband Bryan of Rocky Mount; two granddaughters; and brother, Lester Mercer.

Funeral services were held March 23, 2012 at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home in Rocky Mount with Dr. David Whitley officiating. A graveside service was held at Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Manning Family Cemetery in Momeyer.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount.