Barbara Jane Manning's Obituary
Barbara Merriman Manning passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on November 13, 2021. She was born April 20, 1934 to Philip and Irene (Kirtley ) Merriman in Billings, Oklahoma. As the first grandchild born into both the Merriman and Kirtley families, she was well loved. In search of a machinist career for her father, they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where she lived for the remainder of her life.
On April 18, 1952, after graduating from Central High School, she met and married the future father of her children, Carl Clay. This young couple and children, David, Darel and Lori, enjoyed a family centered life that included a love of the outdoors, faith, and music. David was the first great grandchild born into both the Merriman and Kirtley families. The Clay family grew to include 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who brought a lifetime of joy. As the children grew older, she began her career by working in the Accounting Department of various businesses. She continued her education at Tulsa Community College and remained in this career for many years as her personal life and situations changed. It was then that she married Henry “Hank” Manning with whom she shared the love of travel. Hank and Barbara experienced traveling the world for years and loved sharing those memories.
Barbara was a talented artist and had many creative interests that she enjoyed and mastered. Her paintings and ceramics are treasured keepsakes. Discovering the world of tropical birds, her interest turned to learning everything she could. She progressed from a small green parrot to becoming well known in the local bird community for her knowledge and experience of the care, breeding and raising of tropical birds. As a member of the Oklahoma Avicultural Society and Oklahoma Avicultural Bird Fair she served in many voluntary roles. The small market, “Macaw Corner”, became a trusted place to share numerous hatches of hand raised exotic birds, “Barbara’s Babies”, but also a place to share knowledge and experience. Many like-minded “Bird Lovers” continue practicing her methods. Many of the birds that she raised will live on in her absence for many years in rescue organizations like Eclectus Ark, and homes where they are cared for and loved including her last bird companion, Lexis.
Barbara will certainly be missed by her loved ones and friends but all can find peace knowing that she is safely in Heaven and as fellow Christian Believers, we will see her again.
Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Kirtley Merriman, father Philip Marvin Merriman, brother, Philip Merriman II, spouse, Henry Manning and previous spouse, Carl Clay.
Survived by sister, Patricia (Tim) Giddens, children, Carl David (Brenda) Clay, Darel Clay, and Lori Clay-Judd and grandchildren, Cassandra Clay, Rachel (Ryan) McLaughlin, Jenifer (Daniel) Skeans, Andrea (Brian) Gondles, Josh (Jaqualyn) Jones, Faith Judd, and Destinee Judd as well as nine great grandchildren.
Barbara Merriman Clay Manning will be Remembered and her life Celebrated by the family privately.
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