Givens, Sue's Obituary
Sue Manker Givens, 86, of Memphis, Tennessee was called home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2025. The fourth of five children, Sue was born on January 26, 1939, in Wilson, Arkansas, where she spent the first two years of her life before moving to Memphis where she would eventually meet and marry her high-school sweetheart, Neil Givens. She was preceded in death by her mother, Maudie Ryburn Manker, and her brothers, Lawrence (Larry) William Manker and Robert Frank Manker.
Sue is survived by her loving spouse of 65 years, Neil Harvey Givens, and their beloved daughter, Gwen Givens Byrd (Danny) of Germantown, TN. She leaves two grandchildren, Brandon Andrew Byrd (Gray) of Memphis and Jonathan Alexander Byrd (Emily) of Collierville, TN, as well as four great-grandchildren: Ward, Lylla, & Drew Byrd, and Reed Byrd. She also leaves behind her brother, Edwin (Ed) Lee Manker, and sister, Betty Manker McDonald, along with a host of dear friends.
Sue was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was known simply as “Grem” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sue adored her grandchildren and took great interest in their lives and various pursuits. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her for her infectious smile, quick wit, and boisterous laugh, and even at the age of 86, she still possessed a youthful energy that allowed her to run around and play with her great-grandchildren.
Her family will cherish the memories of all the holidays and birthdays that Sue hosted at her house, as she showed love through her skills of cooking and baking from “scratch,” as she would say. Her coconut cake, oatmeal cookies, and cornbread dressing left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to enjoy them.
A faithful member of Christ Church for more than 20 years, Sue found great joy in serving The Lord and sharing His love with others. Her faith was especially evident in her final months of life, as she demonstrated a strong trust and peace in the Lord’s timing and perfect plan for her life. Though deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the presence of our Savior.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held on March 11, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Church Memphis in Wilson Chapel. A visitation in the Parlor will precede the service at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Church Memphis or Christ Methodist Day School.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930.
“Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
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