Judy Carol Jennings Manuel

Judy Carol Jennings Manuel, 68, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 11, 2026.

Judy was born September 15, 1957, in Opelika, AL. She was the 3rd daughter to the late John Heflin Jennings and Lois Donathan Jennings.

Judy was a 1975 graduate of East Forsyth HS and began her work career while in high school, working at Cook's Department Store, where she met the love of her life, Kenneth (Ken) Edward Manuel. They married on December 3, 1976, having just celebrated their 49th anniversary. Judy went on to work for Thruway Theater, Services Unlimited, Bocock Stroud, Coca-Cola, Carolina Coupon Clearing (later Inmar), Wal-Mart, Homestead Hills and lastly Trinity Elms. She became a CNA late in life for her final two places of employment where she cared for her clients as if they belonged to her. One of her greatest loves was in the middle of all those jobs - She was the owner/operator of Basket Delights. Judy was the most creative person you will ever meet. She and Ken worked many craft shows over the years with Ken's wood craft creations and Judy's tole painting before Judy discovered her love of making gift baskets for both individual and corporate clients.

Surviving family includes her husband, Ken Manuel; feline fur babies, Kimmie and Callie; her sisters, Martha (James) Stanley, Margaret (Charlie) Lawson and Beth (Ed) Jarrell; stepson, Brian (Tammy) Manuel; brother-in-law, Ralph (Donna) Manuel; grandchildren, Morgan Manuel, Kaden Manuel and Haley Thompson; a great-grandson, Noah Thompson; nephews, J.W (Jamie) Lawson, Chuck (Jordan) Lawson, Jimmy (Sandy) Duke, Chris (Mandy) Starbuck, Cameron (Amanda) Manuel, Chase (Lauren) Manuel and Corey (Brittney) Manuel; nieces, Meg (Joseph) Darling, Sydney Jarrell and Sarah Jarrell. Also included are many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and cherished friends.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel, 3315 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. The family will receive friends there immediately following the service.

As Judy was a breast cancer survivor of 20+ years and in lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the Susan Komen Foundation in her memory.