Margaret Rainey Manning passed away Sunday, April 3, at the age of 77 in the loving care of her husband, George A. Manning and daughter Linda Manning Craft.

Mrs. Manning was born in Lady Lake, Fla., May 18, 1933 in a small farm house to David Orien Rainey, Sr. and Gladys Marold Robinson Rainey. Margaret graduated from Leesburg High School Class of 1950, and attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla. On March 18, 1953, Margaret married the love of her life, George A. Manning. She worked as a secretary/office manager for 42 years in advertising and radio in the Orlando area. Everyone who knew her always appreciated her cooking and looked forward to the holiday season not for the gifts that holidays bring, but for the cookie trays that were to be labored over and personally delivered with a smile. Margaret was a Breast Cancer Survivor since 1999.

Margaret is survived by her husband of 58 years, George Manning; her only daughter, Linda Craft and husband Ron Craft; and three grandchildren, R. Wayne Craft, Abby Craft, and Cara Craft. Margaret was the youngest of four siblings; David Orien “Buckshot” Rainey, Jr., James Isaac “Jim” Rainey (Deceased), and Gladys May “Stub” Rainey (Deceased) who grew up together on a watermelon farm in Lady Lake, Fla.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Spry Funeral Home with Dr. Charles Freeman officiating. Margaret’s sister-in-law, Rev. Doris Manning, will be officiating the graveside service at Lone Oak Cemetary handled by Beyers Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Monday, April 11. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or flowers may be sent for the graveside service in Leesburg, Fla.