Susan O. (O'Brien) Mankin

Our most cherished Grandmommy went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 11, 2018. Susan O. Mankin, a resident of Verner, WV, passed after a long fight with a variety of cancers.

Born September 19, 1939 in Thacker, WV, she was the youngest daughter of four children born to the late John and Jean O’Brien.

She was preceded in death by two of her siblings, Georgie Vernice Murphy and Bobby O’Brien, and one grandson, Caleb James Mankin.

Survivors of Susan include her beloved husband of 55 years, James Craig Mankin of Verner, WV; two children, Craig Arnette (Regina) Mankin and Jeana Susan Atkinson of Morgantown, WV; and sister, Peggy Joyce Sisson of Matewan, WV. Susan’s three granddaughters were the, “light of her life,” Mikaela Suzanne, Casey Renee, and Laura Rose. Susan was also Aunt Susan to several nieces and nephews.

Susan was an educator for 40 years. 21 of those years, Susan taught 1st grade at Amherstdale Grade School. She taught language arts at Man Junior High School throughout the following years. Even after her retirement, Susan was continuously learning and educating her loved ones. She was a lifelong learner who read often, texted and snapchatted her grandchildren daily, and was always “looking on the bright side” of situations. Her favorite pastime was writing in her journal. The journals were left as precious gifts for all who love her. Susan had a very strong circle of friends that nurtured her throughout life.

Craig and Susan Mankin were married November 21, 1962. The high school sweethearts were married in Matewan Methodist Church in Matewan, WV. Their enduring love held strong through many years as professional educators, raising their own family, sharing their love of children, grandchildren, family and friends, and vacationing in their favorite Beach House in Myrtle Beach, SC. When asked the secret to Craig and Susan’s beautiful and faithful love, she would always reply, “We are still sweethearts!”

Services will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Bruce McDonald Memorial United Methodist Church in South Man. The services will be as follows: public visitation from 11:00am-12:00pm, the service will be from 12:00pm-1:00pm, and the graveside service will proceed at Highland Memory Gardens. Rev. Rodney Robinette will be officiating the service with Rev. Terry Stone assisting. Music will be performed by her daughter, Jeana Susan, and Susan’s “babydolls”, Casey Renee and Laura Rose. Pallbearers will consist of family and friends.

Donations of sympathy can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through her granddaughter, Mikaela Atkinson’s, Facebook page. Susan had a strong faith and always reiterated the idea that God will take care of everything. Of all the wisdom and love she shared, Jeremiah 29:11 is one bible verse Susan will eternally live by. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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