It is with deep sorrow mixed with deep joy that we announce the passing of Dorcas Ruth (Johnson) Manley. Born on July 10, 1966, in Pasadena, Texas, Dorcas peacefully fell asleep in the arms of Lord Jesus Dec. 3, 2024 in her country home in McCoy, surrounded by her husband, sons and sister.
It was hard not to love Dorcas. She possessed a quick, sardonic and wry wit, and an unassuming grace, while determinedly avoiding being the center of attention. She cherished the simple joys of life at home, one of her favorite sayings being “Don’t make me go anywhere.” She raised and homeschooled her two sons and was to her husband a strong keel, keeping him steady in the stormy seas of life.
The daughter of a pastor, she spent her childhood in a parsonage in Laurel, a rural community west of Portland, Oregon. She came to personal faith in Jesus around the age of six and remained true to Him throughout her life. Upon graduating high school she held down a variety of jobs, never dated, and eventually captured the eyes and heart of her husband Marc. They were married in 1996 and moved to the New River Valley of southwest Virginia in 1999, where they eventually built their home and planted roots.
Near the completion of successfully raising and fledging her boys, Dorcas became passionate about reversing diabetes and other metabolic conditions through diet alone, having done so for herself. She studied a great deal about this and became a wealth of knowledge to anyone who would care to listen, while gracefully never imposing her knowledge on anyone.
Dorcas is survived by her loving husband, Marc Manley, and adoring sons, Kennet and Callan Manley. Dorcas also leaves behind her father James (“Jim”) Johnson, her brothers Jay (Kathy) Johnson and Timothy Johnson, her sister and BFF Celia (Steve) West, her treasured nieces Morgan West Finn and Taylor West, along with seven other beloved nephews and nieces.
Dorcas was predeceased by her dear mother, Lenora Jo Johnson. Both are now safe in the arms of their Lord and Savior, full of joy in their true and eternal home.
A Celebration of Life took place Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at Tried Stone Christian Center, 2100 N. Main St., Blacksburg. A second Celebration of Life for her Pacific Northwest friends and family will take place there, exact time and place to be determined. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to southwest Virginia’s only non-profit, community-based hospice, Good Samaritan, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018, or give online at GoodSam.care.
