Jessie Manley

Jesse Manley was born on November 15, 1923 in Ben Hill County, Georgia. He was the oldest of 11 children. Jesse joined the United States Army Corps at the age of 22. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he returned to Georgia for a short time before moving to Detroit, Michigan; the city that he lived in and loved for most of his life. Shortly after moving to Detroit, Jesse attended the Wolverine School of Trade for Body and Fender Collision. Jesse was blessed to have met the love of his life, Mildred Jay, at an early age. In June of 1949, they were united in holy matrimony in Irwin County, Georgia. To this union were born two children, Lamont and Phyllis. Jesse was a devoted husband to Mildred for 68 years and 8 months. Jesse accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was a devoted and committed member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Ecorse, Michigan for over 50 years. There he dutifully served on the Usher Board, the Trustee Board and the Deacon Board. Jesse always carried his Deacon cards in his wallet and would pass them out everywhere he went. Even when his health was failing, he was determined to visit the sick and shut-in. After putting his children through college, Jesse worked toward and received his GED from the Detroit Public School System. He also enjoyed attending computer, home improvement and photography classes (at Wayne County Community College and Schoolcraft College). Jesse loved working and did not retire until very late in life. He was employed for over 60 years in the auto repair business, including owning his own garages as a young man. He also worked briefly for Bob Ford as a collision repairman. He later served as a Body Shop Manager at Dawson Taylor Chevrolet, Shore-Severs Chevrolet, Dick Harris Cadillac, Dalgleish Cadillac, Woodruff Oldsmobile and Tennyson Chevrolet. Jesse was one of the first Black GM Body Shop Managers in the Detroit Metro Area. Jesse loved taking photographs and was usually seen carrying a camera when away for work. He also loved to garden, fish and hunt small game. He also loved to travel and he travelled throughout the United States and Canada. He especially loved to travel to visit his family members. This kind-hearted man touched the hearts of many with his sweet spirit. He rarely complained about anything.