Sharon Manier
October 12, 1944 - March 11, 2022
Obituary
Sharon Elaine Manier was born on October 12, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to Gent and Susie Wilson. Sharon completed her early education in Detroit Michigan and graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1963. After graduating high school, she moved to Los Angeles, California and lived with her Aunt Mamie Mathews. Sharon married the love of her life, Norris Weldon Manier in 1968. She continued her education by attending California State University and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1976. In 1981 the family moved from Los Angeles to Federal Way, Washington.
Sharon was a remarkable woman who lived life on her own terms. She loved her friends and family, she loved to travel, cooking, music, theatre and cruises. Sharon was the type of lady that would fly to LA for the day to have lunch with a friend or to fly to NYC for the theatre and come back the next day. She loved social work and helping others and she dedicated a nice chunk of her life to doing so.
Sharon worked at American Airlines for 14 years before retiring and starting her second chapter. In the early 90s’, Sharon worked as a CASA and a drug and alcohol counselor at Reman Hall Juvenile Detention Center. It was while working at the juvenile court, she realized the inequities and racial disparities that were occurring with black and brown girls in the system, Sharon had the idea to create something special and meaningful for adjudicated youth, deserving a second chance. So, it was in 1995 that Sharon and her sister-in-law Bettye Blakeney opened an 8-bed group home in the historical North End of Tacoma. The group home provided case management, life skills, anger management classes and opportunities for the girls to obtain employment, education and structured recreation. Our Sisters’ House housed and cared for over 350 girls from 1995 –2003. Sharon played a significant role in the lives of the girls, she cooked for them, took the girls to eat in restaurants, provided clothing, makeup and other gifts and treats to make the girls feel special. Sharon was the Executive Director of Our Sisters’ House until 2010 when she retired again, she entrusted her vision to her niece and goddaughter, Kelli Robinson, who continues the work Sharon started by providing domestic violence advocacy, education, and awareness to Black Women, youth and children throughout Pierce County, WA.
Sharon was not one to keep still, in her second retirement, she found yet another passion, the Homeless. Sharon and Norris began feeding the homeless each week, providing over 40 bags filled with homemade sandwiches, snacks and even money. In her memory The Sharon Manier Footsteps Homeless Charity will continue to feed those in need.
Sharon had two brothers who preceded her in death, Carl Wilson and Welton Wilson and her adopted son TJ Washington. Those to cherish Sharon’s memory include: her husband Norris Manier and sons Daryl Manier and Devon Manier ,two grandchildren Marcellus and Soleil Manier, her brother Michael Wilson, Tacoma Washington, her sister Lucille Hughes, Compton California, brother in-law Linton Maniér (Barbara) Riverside, California, sisters-in-law Pat Perkins (Michael), Bettye Blakeney, and Donna Manier, Tacoma Washington, her cousin Michelle Pierson (James), special friends Eloise Ferguson, Juanita Wright, Ben and Martha Betters, Kevin and Traci Green, Barbara Delaughter, Jamie Hammonds, Aleatha Tipton, all from California, Gayna Evans, Mary Clemente, Fran Griffin, The Macreynolds family from Detroit, Michigan, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Sharon, I’m going to miss you, your beautiful smile, your singing all the MoTown songs, especially when I ride with you. You’ve been a genuinely kind and loving sister. Wow! Just hard to believe, but I’ll see you again one day soon.
My Aunt Sharon was a very special lady. I miss her dearly, but I know I will see her again.
Sharon, my buddy my friend. I will miss her calm and quiet manner, her love of music … jazz and soul, and her willingness to share anything or everything with anyone and everyone. My beautiful “Sis” , we will me again in the “great gittin’ up morning”.
Reginald Fagan, T-Shirt man
Vanvernard Bryant & Dannyelle Bryant
Aunt Sharon
I love you and am grateful to be your niece.
You have demonstrated your Best in Excellence in Grandeur!
Classy Victorious Woman of the True and Living God!
Everything you did was to the Glory of the Lord, A Faithful wife, A Joyful mother and grandmother!
Modeling Kindness and Compassion with soft words and with intent actions.
Lovingly Said
Damitri Taylor
V Bryant
Nice growing up with you in the Detroit area. We really had some good times together. It’s good we kept in touch all these years.
My dear sister (-in law). Thank you for over 50 years of loving my brother. Your love shows through with every picture. Rest, you’ve led a life well-lived.
I will miss the Hen parties you had. You truly made an impact on my life Auntie Sharon. Until we meet again.
Dearest Norris
I met you and Sharon through her brother Michael over 50 years ago.
I cannot remember a time when when I did not see you both together.
Sharon and you are 2 matched spirits and I pray for peace for you and the rest of your family. I will always cherish Sharon’s smile and her kindness she offered so so many. Rest in peace beautiful lady.💝
Sharon you will be missed. You always brought a smile on my face when you came in to WinCo I will miss you.
Brenda Bias
Norris, I’m so sorry about the lost of your dear wife, I pray for your healing and that peace will come to you. May you find comfort thru prayer. John 5;28-29 “Do not be amazed at this. For the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out those who did good things to a resurrection of life.”
My dear cousin, it’s heard to believe you are not here. Love you and will truly miss you. RIP
You will be missed, I’m so glad I got to know you and your family.. Much Love.
Aunt Sharon,
I love you and always have admired the way you carried yourself with such grace and elegance. You will truly be missed and I am forever appreciative of the times we shared together and I always looked forward to the Hen Parties, a true gift started by you of the gathering of beautiful women from all over.
I was always in awe of all the knowledge and wisdom that was imparted on me that I took away from parties. It was truly a gift and I am so thankful for those experiences and the experience of you. I love you and I’m thankful for the time that I was able to share with you.
Sharon was a Mentor to me with a heart of Gold to all those that knew her. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in Love Queen.
Dear Norris you and Sharon were Soul Mates and your love for each other always shown through. May the Peace of the Lord be with you in these trying times.
My Dear Sharon….
A kind and gentle “Sister Friend” who always thought of and sought after the best in others. A generous, thoughtful, loyal, beautiful, Godly spirit, who always looked for ways to share, include, and care for those in need. I will miss Sharon tremendously, but know, I will see her again. Until then, I feel blessed to have known her, and to have been lucky enough to be considered a “Sister Friend.”
Joe L Thomas & Francine Thomas
Cousin Sharon. I was blessed to meet you and see the lovely gift you were. God bless you.
Sharon you were a beautiful person inside and out. I enjoyed the time you took with us on many sleep overs we had the best time ever. I appreciate your friendship you and Norris had with my parents. You were an extraordinary person with a beautiful smile. You will truly be missed and forever in my heart ❤️ Love you rest well say hi to Barb & Ben hugs & kisses
Brother Norris – I am extremely sorry for your loss. Sharon was such a kind hearted soul. I am grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing her all these years. She was truly a gem.
We love you dearly. 💗💗
Lydia Samuels
There are no words to convey how much I’m already missing you Sharon-our conversations & our friendship. Knowing you has been God’s blessing to me & to more people than even I, will ever know. Girl, you knocked my socks off that year when you sang at your bday party! It was unforgettable & fabulous. Your Black Hen parties were a testament to your fun & giving spirit & your ability to bring people together. I can’t imagine how Norris, your kids & grandkids are feeling but I’m praying for them. Sharon, your job on this earth has been well done & my friend you’ve earned your wings. I will see you again one day. Love, from your friend, Aleatha
I had the honor of working with Sharon as a ticket agent at SeaTac. She is one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever met. My condolences to Norris and her entire family. She is definitely an angel in heaven now.
Gayna L. Evans
I will miss my sweet and soft spoken Aunt Sharon. From the LA years thru Washington, I always felt the warmth and love from you Auntie.
I pray we will all be together again because soon and very soon we are going to see the King 🙏🏾
Mary you Rest In Peace.
*may you Rest In Peace.
Missing your light and beautiful spirit. You modeled service and love for community. I am so blessed to have known you. Rest in Peace. Prayers for peace and comfort for your family and loved ones.
Pinkie price
Sorry of your passing
Ginger and Chuck Hussey and sons, the greatest gift is love, Sharon will be missed.
Sweet Sharon you will live in my heart forever. We had a friendship few have. You and Norris were our gifts from God. God will take care of Norris and your family. Just cuddle up in our Lord’s arms, He has you now.
Ginger