Walter Edward Manns (Mannsy) was born in New Rochelle, New York on August 5, 1915. He was the second of six children born to the late Zessie Mary Washington Manns and William Manns. He received his early formal education in New Rochelle City Schools. Walter was a member of Bethesda Baptist Church and at the age of 14, he was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It was also during this time that Walter became a member of the first Black Boy Scout Troop – The Charles W. Dickerson Troop 16, in 1929. Later, as God would have it, Walter met and married Jennie Wilkins in 1936. Of this union two children were born, Cynthia and Marilyn Manns.
Walter's love for baseball landed him a brief career as a catcher with the Negro League. He was also an avid pool player, and once he retired he took up the game of golf.
Walter owned a floor refinishing company until 1977, when he and his wife Jennie retired to Orlando, Florida. He then joined the Shiloh Baptist Church family under the pastorate of the late Reverend J. W. Toomer. When the New Covenant Baptist Church was formed under the direction of Reverend Randolph Bracey in 1992, Walter became a member of that church. Walter and his wife were volunteers with Meals on Wheels for over 20 years. He and Jennie enjoyed their retirement entertaining friends and traveling by air and by sea. Walter and his wife later settled in Georgia with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoying precious family time.
Walter is preceded in death by his daughter Cynthia Manns Washington. He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted wife, Jennie M. Manns; a daughter, Marilyn Manns Littlejohn of the British Virgin Islands, Four grandchildren; Derek Washington (Pamela) of New York, NY; Dr. Kim Littlejohn, of Hiram, GA; Dawn Phillips, of Douglasville, GA; Alfred Littlejohn (Erica) of Hiram, GA; Twelve great grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and sorrowing friends.