Many, Louisiana - Sue Beasley Manning, 83, of Many, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Sue was born June 18, 1943, in Natchitoches, to Sybil Funderburk Beasley and Theodore Lealon Beasley. She earned her master's degree from Northwestern State University, raised her family in Baton Rouge, and settled on Toledo Bend with her husband, James.

An only child, Sue grew up reading, riding horses with her father, and joining 4-H. In elementary school, she started a neighborhood book library, giving away every book she owned — she was, as it turned out, its only contributor. It was an early sign of the generosity she'd carry for life.

Sue taught children in Honolulu, Houston, Natchitoches, and Brusly, and was a philanthropist for children's education worldwide. She had a zest for traveling the globe, always eager for the next place to explore.

Sue had imagination, a rare wit, and a quiet strength that put people at ease — she never had to say a word for you to feel supported. She was entirely her own person.

Losing her eyesight didn't stop Sue's love of reading; she turned to audiobooks, with help from Blind Services at the State Library of Louisiana, working through a story every day.

She welcomed people as they were and gave freely — to family, students, causes, anyone who needed care. Neighborhood children knew her parting words: "Be sweet." Her faith was steady and central to who she was, shaping how she treated others.

Sue is survived by her husband, James Howard Manning, of Many; her son, James Lealon Manning, of Florien; her daughter, Camille Manning-Broome (Devin Broome), of Baton Rouge; and three grandchildren, James Gerald Manning, Isaac James Broome, and Emerson James Broome. She will be missed tremendously.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many, Louisiana, with Pastor Clayton officiating. Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Antioch Church.