Dahlia Cook McManus of Liberty Texas passed away peacefully before dawn on Thursday February 15, 2018.  Dal, as she was known, graced our lives for 96 years, having been born October 27,1921 in Joaquin Texas.

She was predeceased by the love of her life , Charles S. McManus, to whom she was married for 65 years; also, her parents, Roxie Kyle Cook, Isaac Dudley Cook and  Fannie Vines Cook, her loving mother from 5 years of age and 9 brothers and sisters.

She was a woman of faith and the matriarch of her family. She is survived by her son Dudley McManus and wife Amey of Montgomery, Texas, daughters, Marian Basham and husband Spud of Kingwood, Texas,  Elizabeth Berry and husband Roger of Austin, Texas, and Leslie Herndon and husband Mark of Liberty, Texas

She had twelve grandchildren: Ryan McManus, Cara McManus, Zachary Basham, Evan Basham, Allison Basham, Austin Basham, Jonathan Basham, Leslie Ann Berry Padrick, David Berry, Haley Berry Smith, John Mark Herndon and Laura Beth Herndon. She had  five great-grandchildren: Piper Basham, Langston Basham, Naomi Basham, Charlie McManus and Millie McManus.

She had a unique and special relationship with each of her "grands".  They called her Paw-paw after being named that by her first grandchild. She would say, " I don't care  what they call me, as long as they call me" and they did.

Dahlia accomplished many things in her long life.  She graduated from Louisiana State University during World War II.  She was a career educator, teaching music, kindergarten, third grade  and fourth grades as wells as serving as reading specialist for many years.  She earned a Masters of Education from University of Houston and was member of Delta Kappa Gamma all of her professional life and served as President. 

She gave her life to Christ at age twelve and followed that commitment throughout her life in her church and in the classroom.  She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, volunteered in Vacation Bible school, mission trips, and served with Charlie in the "Kitchen Krew" for 14 years.

Ruth Mosley was a devoted friend and helper to Dahlia for more years than either one of them wanted to admit. She was always there to do what was needed.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Kingwood Assisted Living  who embraced Dahlia and made her short stay enjoyable.

In lieu of flowers , donations may be made to Dahlia McManus Endowment Fund-Liberty ISD Foundations or First Baptist Church of Liberty-Mission Trip Fund.

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