Sharon E. Manzer

Sharon E. Manzer 56 passed away Sunday, June 3, 2007 in Amarillo, with her brother and sister-in-law in attendance. Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 7, 2007 at Morrison Memorial Chapel with Rev. Brad Foster, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Sharon was born October 8, 1950 in Dumas to Don and Lorena Manzer. She was diagnosed as having Multiple Sclerosis at the young age of fourteen. Despite her illness and through pure will and determination, Sharon graduated from Dumas High School in 1968. Continually struggling with her disease, she attended West Texas State University in Canyon well into her sophomore year. After the death of her father in 1983 Sharon continued to live in the family home with her mother, Lorena, until her death in 1989. Sharons intense desire at that time, in spite of obvious obstacles, was to remain living in the home alone. Against great odds and with tenacity and determination Sharon continued with the support of family and friends to live at home until only one month before her passing. Her life stands as a continuing example to all who met her of an unparalleled strength and courage. Her motto could easily have been, Never give up. Sharon had a passion for history that focused on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War period. Her interest produced a treatise on Mary Todd Lincoln written during her college years. Her keen sense of humor was revealed when she referred to the Civil War as the Silver War, based on an academic inside joke. Sharons satirical quick wit characterized much of her life. Her love of history is also reflected in her classic doll collection that included characters from Gone with the Wind. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include: her brother Chris Manzer and wife, Colleen of Woodland, CA; care giver Ronnie McClelland and numerous other care givers and neighbors. Memorials may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis society, Panhandle Chapter, 6222 Canyon Dr., Amarillo, TX 79109-6730. yle'display:none;'a