Venisha LeShawne "Pooh" Manning Combs

Beginning Venisha LeShawne Combs was born on April 11, 1972 in Saginaw, Michigan, the daughter of Rev. Dr. Roy and 1st Lady Beatrice Manning. Early Years Venisha accepted Christ at an early age. It was at Freewill Baptist Church where she began to develop her Christian walk. She was an exceptional student. She attended Thomas White Elementary School, Bridgeport Jr. High, and Webber Jr. High. In 1990, Venisha graduated from Saginaw High School. After graduation, Venisha attended Michigan State University where she majored in Merchandise Management. She continued to pursue academic excellence by furthering her education and received her post Bachelors/Master’s Degree in Elementary Education/Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Detroit Mercy (U of D). She matriculated to Wayne State University, where she received her Educational Specialist Degree in General Supervision & Administration. Venisha was empowered by the benefits of a great education and used her education to serve as a long-term substitute teacher, classroom teacher, and Assistant Principal in the Detroit Public School District. Her phenomenal leadership and hard work did not go unnoticed and she was promoted to serve as Assistant Principal and Principal in the Plymouth-Canton School District. Venisha used her educational expertise to improve the lives of countless students, parents, and colleagues. Marriage Venisha’s soul mate found her in 1991 during her studies at Michigan State University. That encounter lead to marital bliss, and their lifelong covenant began on July 26, 1997. She remained a devoted and caring wife. This union welcomed the birth of three amazing children: LaDale, Jarnáe, and Jai’la. Venisha taught, lead and encouraged her children to love and serve the Lord, respect others, and do their personal best at all times, in every situation. She taught them the benefits of a great education. She showed them that success was not only available, but it was also achievable. She adored her children, and that adoration was reciprocated. Service Venisha was diligent in her spiritual growth and development. She served faithfully under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Edgar Vann at Second Ebenezer Church. Venisha was a committed believer who served in the Majestic Voices Choir. She also served as a volunteer for the College Fair Ministry. Rest On Friday, January 15, 2016 God called Venisha home to rest. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband of 18 years, LaDale Combs, one son, LaDale Combs II, two daughters Jarnáe La’Nisha Combs, and Jai’la Monique Combs, all of Belleville, Michigan; Parents, Reverend Dr. Roy L. and First Lady Beatrice Manning, of Saginaw, Michigan; one sister, Shauntel R. Manning, of Saginaw, Michigan; one brother, Roy L. Manning II, of Pullman, Washington; mother-in-law, Sandra Combs, of Detroit, Michigan, grandmother, Rachel Thomas of Marvell, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Rusan (Minister Bryant) Weems, of Romulus, Michigan; one brother-in-law, Wesley (Tamekia) Combs, of Redford, Michigan; aunts, Rev. Leatrice Holmes of Henderson, Kentucky; Helen Thomas, of Marvell, Arkansas; Alma (Cliff) Bonner of Chicago, Illinois; Pearl Dorsey, Ann Bernice Dorsey, Ella Mae Dorsey, all of Saginaw, Michigan; Bernice Dorsey, of Joiner, Arkansas; uncles; Herman (Paulette) Thomas, Deacon Leroy (Beverly) Thomas both of St. Louis, Missouri; Donald (Sandy) Thomas of Conway, Arkansas; Ernest Neely of Conyers, Georgia; Godparents, George Pitts, of Cincinnati, Ohio and Lee and Betty Williams of Saginaw, Michigan; Godsisters, Kellee Davis, Angela Davis, and LeAndrea Williams-Fisher; Godbrothers, Clifford Davis, Jr., Dr. Jesse (Dr. Mati) Davis, Vershon Watson, Jason Williams, and Travon Tatum, Special Father/Mentor, Rev. Ronald Alexander (Mr. A), two very close friends, Erica Rolack and Yvette Tamlin, a host of cousins, other relatives, church family, colleagues, and friends. Venisha was preceded in death by her grandparents Abe & Sara Manning, Leroy Thomas; her father-in-law, Rudolph Combs, three aunts and nine uncles. Family hour 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Second Ebenezer Church, 14601 Dequindre, Detroit, MI 48212, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Viewing will take place Friday, January 22, 2016 from 5:00- 7:30 p.m. at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, 104 South 10th Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Arrangement by: Clora Funeral Home 1789 Coolidge Hwy., River Rouge, MI 48218

Venisha LeShawne "Pooh" Manning Combs

April 11, 1972 - January 15, 2016