Sally Jo Ann Manns

SALLY JO ANN MANNS was an amazing woman, one of the last to contract polio, she was left with little use of her arms and legs, and not expected to make her 19th birthday. But Sally Manns would not accept dictated limitations and lived to the age of 72. Sally was an advocate for persons with disabilities, and survivors of polio. A long-time employee (35 years) of the Kenny Rehabilitation Foundation, Sally encouraged and helped others obtain wheelchairs, ramps, and aids for independent living. Working full time, Sally drove her van in all kinds of weather to encourage and assist her clients. She was a hero to some and always, a role-model. Sally never complained. She knew who she wasa?"her disability never defined hera?"but fueled her passion for accessibility issues and the rights of persons with disabilities. Sally excelled in everything, and treated everyone with gentle poise and heartfelt acceptance. She was a faith-filled Christian woman, and a member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Livonia. In 1992, Sally's advocacy work as Director of Client Services for Kenny Rehab was recognized with the "Ability is Ageless" Neal Shine Award. In addition to the glowing remarks of Mr. Shine, then publisher of the Detroit Free Press, Michigan Governor John Engler praised the impact of "outstanding mature workers." Born in northwest Detroit on Virginia Park to Elwood and Edna Manns, Sally lived with her family above her father's funeral home. As a child, she sometimes played "Funeral" and when a visitation took place on the first floor, she knew to instruct her playmates, "we have to be quiet." She loved attending five-hour Saturday matinees at the Victory Theater, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Sally (and her friend Ester) graduated Cass Tech High School where they were music majors. Sally sat First Chair as an outstanding violinist. Sally is the lifelong companion of Ester Yager. Daughter of Edna and the late Elwood Manns. Sister of Charles (Marjorie) Manns and Dickson (Joanne) Manns. Dear friend of Yvonne (Tom) Larabell, Pat Limbird, and Kay Nelson. Sally is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Manns-Ferguson Funeral Home 17000 Middlebelt (S. of 6 Mile) on Sunday, June 8th and Monday, June 9th from 3 to 9 pm There will be a Scripture Service Monday evening at 7 pm, at the funeral home. The Funeral will be on Tuesday morning, June 10th, 11 am at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church 27475 Five Mile Road (between Inkster and Middlebelt Roads) in Livonia. The family suggests memorials to: Michigan Polio Network 1156 Avon Manor Road Rochester Hills, MI 48307-5416 or St. Paul's Presbyterian Church 27475 Five Mile Rd. Livonia, MI 48154