Oneeta Berry

(From Nichols Funeral Home)

Thelma Oneeta (Manning) Berry was born on October 20, 1926 to Oscar and Nancy Belle Youngs and passed away on December 29, 2023 at the age of 97. 

Oneeta was married to Walter Manning from January 29, 1948 until his death on March 15, 2005. She was then married to Joe Berry from April 7, 2007 (a classmate from Grove High School) until his death on March 19, 2016. 

Afterward, Oneeta continued her close friendship with another classmate from high school, Tom Whitty. She and Tom both frequently joked they would marry once they turned 100. Walter, Joe, and Tom were World War II veterans.

Oneeta was also preceded in death by her sisters Velma Youngs and Wanda Hendren, along with her brother Jack Youngs. 

She is survived by her sister JoAnn Buckett, three sons Gary Manning, Galen Manning, and David Manning along with nine grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren. Oneeta had worked as a banker in Southwest City and later in Grove OK, eventually obtaining the title of Senior Vice President prior to retirement.

There will be a memorial service at the Nichols-Stephens Funeral Home on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Christian Medical Clinic of Grove, OK.