Elizabeth Morris Manning, age 95, died Monday, February 27, 2023. She was born on July 19, 1927, in Gravette, Arkansas, to Joseph P. and Grace (Chandler) Morris. Elizabeth grew up in and attended school in Gravette surrounded by her siblings, grandparents, and extended family.

Upon earning her teaching certificate Elizabeth began teaching in Noel, Missouri, where she was eventually introduced to Alton Manning during a weekly card game. They married in November 1956 and moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where Al worked for Phillips Petroleum and Elizabeth taught third grade. In 1958, they moved to Springfield, Missouri, so Al could pursue a college degree at Missouri State University while Elizabeth began her career with the Springfield Public School System teaching third and fourth grade at Wilder Elementary. During this time Elizabeth also went on to earn a master's degree in education from the University of Arkansas and was active in both Delta Kappa Gamma and Phi Delta Kappa professional societies. She ultimately spent a total of 41 years teaching generations of students during her career. Elizabeth was a gifted teacher, beloved by her many students and their parents. It was rare to go anywhere with her without encountering one of her former students.

Upon retirement Elizabeth continued her contributions to the Springfield community by volunteering at the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, Mercy Hospital, and the American Red Cross where she received the Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Service. She and Al loved traveling and spending time with family, always reminding them of the importance of making memories. A woman of great faith, Elizabeth was a member of and served in many capacities, including as an Elder, at both National Avenue Christian Church and most recently at South Street Christian Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Al Manning, sister, Frances Talley, and two brothers, J.P. Morris and Alfred Morris. Elizabeth is survived by her numerous nieces and nephews, their children, and grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Elizabeth's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at South Street Christian Church located at 500 South Street, Springfield, Missouri, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Noel Cemetery, Noel, Missouri. No formal visitation is scheduled; however, friends may call after 1:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Arkansas Foundation (reference "Alton and Elizabeth Manning Scholarship"), Attn: Tory Gaddy, University of Arkansas, College of Education, 751 W. Maple, Fayetteville, AR 72701; South Street Christian Church Foundation, 500 South Ave., Springfield, MO 65806; or the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, 1131 Boonville, Springfield, MO 65802.