Kay Mannering Gesell Obituary (1945 - 2020)

Donna Kay Mannering was born to Davis Oakes Mannering and Edna Floy (Lukey) Mannering on March 7, 1945, in Decatur, Illinois. She passed away into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, April 27, 2020, at Cumming Health and Rehab in Cumming, Georgia, with family nearby. Kay graduated from MacArthur High School in Decatur in 1963, and attended the University of Indiana before graduating from Indiana State University in 1967. In 1966, Kay and Ron Gesell were married in Decatur. They raised two children, Christina and Jon, in the suburbs of Atlanta, where they were active in their local church. Kay was a top student, and a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Decatur, where she loved singing in the choir, both as a student and adult. Her life revolved around church activities including Presbyterian Women, Cheer Guild, Mary Martha Circle, the Bell Choir and Bible studies. She was a volunteer for Dove and various charitable organizations. Kay is survived by her daughter, Christina Amick (Shawn), of Cumming, GA, her son, Jon Gesell (Julie) of Tennessee Ridge, TN, a brother, Doug Mannering (Lynette) of Loveland, CO, grandchildren Noah and Carter Amick of Cumming, GA, and special nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, an infant brother , aunts and uncles. Family graveside services are pending for a later date in the Oakes family plot at Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur. No other services are planned. Dawson-Wikoff is in charge of arrangements in Decatur. Memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1360 W. Main, Decatur, IL 62522.