Elaine Marcel Manley

Elder Elaine Marcel Manley, affectionately known as “E”, was born on April 12, 1957, and departed this life on October 13, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Deacon Forrest C. Manley and Elder Dorothy Dunston Manley. Elaine was born and reared in Middletown, New York and successfully completed the Middletown School System. After graduation, she attended Orange County Community College, now SUNY Orange, and majored in medical lab technology. She retired from the Avon Corporation after 27 years of service as a senior laboratory technician. She later worked at Sears Department Store. Elaine’s volunteer and civic involvement included Jack and Jill of America, local food pantries, a homeless shelter, and several voter registration drives, to name a few. She was a long term member of the local NAACP. It was not uncommon to find Elaine and Mother Manley taking food to the needy, transporting folks to church, consoling the broken hearted, caring for the terminally ill, visiting many in jail or the hospital, or taking people into their home who simply needed a step up. She volunteered with immigrant families from Mexico and Central America who worked on farms in Pine Island, NY. Elaine, along with Mother Manley, faithfully conducted weekly church services for the residents of Highland Rehabilitation and Nursing Home (formerly St. Theresa’s Nursing Home) for over five years. They “adopted” and cared for HIV/AIDS patients. They were always on their posts as a team or individually. Elaine’s entire life was enveloped in ministry. Her path started during her early childhood at Second Baptist Church. She participated in the young people’s usher board, the junior and young adult choirs, and Sunday School, where she served as secretary. She served as a delegate to the Central Hudson Baptist Association and the Empire State BTU Congress. Sunday School provided a platform for growth and a genuine love for the Word of God. There, she began an undeterred journey for further study and development. Over the years, Elaine’s dedication to God grew and eventually lead her to ministry. She embraced and declared to “make disciples” for Jesus Christ. As one of the founding members of the St. Paul Baptist Church, Elaine was a dedicated servant to the usher board, intercessory prayer warriors, ministry of music, community outreach, and Ambassdors for Christ. She loved teaching Sunday School and had a fan club of little people and young adults who fondly called her "Sister Elaine". She was a role model who lived what she taught. Her wealth of knowledge of the departments from their infancies, created the opportunity for her to become the church historian. Little did she know what God had in store for her. During her latter years, God called her to the ministry. Her humility and fierceness for the Lord opened doors to teach and preach the Word. Even greater elevation came as a prophet of the house. When she went forth, she moved with Godly specificity and precision that required many days lying prostrate before the Lord. Often times, many church family members talked about “the dripping of the anointing that oozed from her pores”. Elaine often spoke of its cost but knew it was worth it. She sowed and gave “What thus saideth the Lord” to many. The trajectory of her ministry forever changed with her ordination to elder at St. Paul Baptist Church by His Designated Grace, Bishop Dr. Ray A. King of R King Ministries Apostolic & Ecumenical Fellowship, Inc. Not only did God expand her territory within the body but her gift for “feeding the sheep” through a succinct, simple word brought healing and restoration to the broken hearted. Without fanfare or an audience, Elaine did the work. Her dedication was also seen in her role as primary caretaker for her mother. She never wavered and literally became her shadow. Her love and protection of Mother Manley was palpable. One cannot sum up 64 years of any person’s life on a single page, but we know Elaine gave everything she had for Christ and now He has called her back to Him. We await the day to be reunited with her and our beloved husband and dad, Forrest. Elaine was an avid knitter. She had a ferocious appetite for reading. She was skilled in shorthand and sign language. She was a collector of various dolls, stuffed animals and glass collectibles. She literally created an enchanted menagerie in her bedroom. She enjoyed horseback riding; however, no one could beat her walking a mile in Middletown. She had a knack for gardening and especially loved tulips and African violets. Elaine could often be found trading jokes with her brother during late night Lakers and NFL games. Elaine is predeceased by her father Deacon Forrest Cooley Manley. She leaves to mourn her mother, Elder Dorothy Dunston Manley (Forrest); siblings: Mr. Anthony F. Manley, Ms. Lisa A. Manley, and Mrs. Karen J. McPherson; two sisters in love, Mrs. Jacqueline Redmond and the late Ms. Carmella "Brenda” Manley; spiritually adopted sisters: Mrs. Alice Jenkins, Ms. Joyce Patterson, and the late Ms. Myrna K. Harris; one brother in love, Mr. Ralph Redmond; two nephews: Mr. Tony M. Manley and Mr. Quaadir H. Manley; her goddaughter: Ms. Dominic Redmond; a paternal aunt: Mrs. Iola Jenkins; and a host of extended family members, her beloved St. Paul’s Church family, Walkill Living Center neighbors, and community friends.

Elaine Marcel Manley

April 12, 1957 - October 13, 2021