Connie B. Manning

Concepcion “Connie” B. Manning, 94, of Harrington, DE passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, surrounded by her loving sons. She was the daughter of the late, Francisco "Frank" and Concepcion Ballejo.

Connie was born and raised in Texas and received her bachelor’s degree in education prior to beginning her teaching career, later completing her master’s degree in the same field. She met and married her late husband, Bobby J Manning, Sr while teaching at Harlingen Air Force Base in Texas. As an Air Force wife, frequent military transfers led her to further teaching assignments in Kansas, Japan, Massachusetts, and Illinois prior to starting a long tenure in the Capital School District in Dover, Delaware teaching first and second grade students. After 44 years of teaching full-time, she retired in 1998. She then continued teaching part-time for an additional 10 years, primarily serving in long-term substitute positions in the Lake Forest and Woodbridge School Districts. Connie was very involved in the community and volunteered her time tutoring students, teaching English to migrant workers, delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering at the Greenwood Cheer Center, volunteering at the Greenwood Chicken BBQ for the Greenwood VFW Post 7478 as well as being an active member of the VFW Post’s Ladies Auxiliary. She was a devout Christian who was an active member of the Harrington Baptist Church where she regularly participated in Sunday School, Bible Study, taught Vacation Bible School, and loved singing in the choir. In her spare time, Connie enjoyed shopping, reading extensively and completing word search puzzles while drinking her coffee, as well as taking good care of her farm cats. While continually active and always on the go, she was never too busy to sit down for a cup of coffee and piece of pie with a friend. Above all, Connie was a devoted wife and mother who was the heart of her family. She will be remembered as a gifted teacher as well as a strong, independent woman who was always impeccably dressed. She was a wonderful friend to those who know her and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bobby J. Manning, Sr; brothers, Manuel Ballejo, John Ballejo, Dr. Joseph Ballejo, Daniel Ballejo and Consuelo Ballejo; and sisters, Carmen Robles, Maria Gonzales, Elena Ornelas, and Noemi Gonzales.

She is survived by her sons, Bobby J. Manning, Jr (Susan), Ronald D. Manning (Andrea), James E. Manning (Kathy); grandchildren, Erin, Robert, Amber, Ian, and Clay Manning; her sisters, Francisca Sauseda and Esperanza “Hope” McClung; as well as many nephews, nieces, and extended family members.

A Funeral Service will take place on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:30 AM at the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE. A visitation will take place beginning at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place at Delaware Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Bear.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, Inc, Harrington, DE. Condolences may be left online at www.melvinfuneralhome.com