Holly Dickson Manley

Holly Manley, 49, of Biloxi, MS, went to be with her Lord God much sooner than those that survived her expected or wanted on Sunday, January 20, 2008, in Ocean Springs after a difficult and long fight with cancer. She was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in November 2006. Holly was able to fight for so many months thanks to the prayers and wonderful support she received from her friends and family especially her husband who relentlessly sacrificed to make her last months on earth as comfortable as possible before she succumbed to the illness. Holly's family wants to thank everyone for their prayers and support including Perry's fellow workers at MS Power Company for their tremendous support in this very difficult time. Holly's daughter and her husband, Brad and Michelle Holt, set up a prayer beeper and internet site to allow family and friends to keep up with Holly's condition. Sunday school classes all over the country prayed for Holly. The prayer beeper was a source of continued inspiration and comfort for Holly as each time it beeped Holly knew that people near or from far away locations all over the country were praying for her and she was not alone or forgotten during her struggle. Holly is no longer suffering as she is now home with her Heavenly Father and with her loved ones that preceded her in death. Holly is survived by her wonderful, devoted, husband for the past 33 years, Joseph Perry Manley, and their beautiful daughter, Evelyn Michelle "Shelly" Manley Holt and her husband, Brad Holt, who reside in Biloxi. Holly is also survived by her father and mother, Jessie and Grace Dickson of Biloxi; her sister, Ronda and her husband, Irving "Junior" Anderson of Gulfport; and her three brothers: Ronnie and his wife, Linda Dickson, who reside in Longview, Texas; Greg and his wife Belynn Dickson and son Adrian of Biloxi; Audie and his wife, Careasa Dickson who reside just outside of San Antonio, Texas and their son Mathew and wife Toni Dickson of Biloxi; her aunt and uncle, Ron and Betty Jean Mair of Mobile, Al and numerous other family members. Holly Jo Dickson was born in Gulfport, MS on the 20th of January, 1959 to her parents Jessie Dewitt and Grace Evelyn Dickson. Holly was the youngest of five children and the pride of her parents and her siblings. Holly was a special child who enjoyed being spoiled by her family and constantly entertained anyone who came near her as she grew up in Gulfport, then relocated to the St. Martin community of North Biloxi after her family home was condemned due to damage sustained in Hurricane Camille. Her life took new meaning when she met Perry Manley while attending St. Martin High School in 1973. She almost immediately fell in love with Perry and their relationship bloomed until they were married in 1975. Their love has sustained each other for nearly 35 years and it is with great difficulty that Perry passes her care and love to our Heavenly Father with the certain knowledge that she is no longer suffering and now in His capable hands. Holly worked in various positions including supervisor of the employee dining room at the Beau Rivage Casino and supervisor of the bakery at Keesler Air Force Base. She is a member of Big Ridge Baptist Church of Biloxi. Her greatest love was her husband, Perry and her daughter. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs where friends may visit from 5 until 9 p.m. with Rev. Brad Holt officiating.