Clarence Clayton Manns, Sr. was born on July 7, 1942, in Ripley, Tennessee, to Vella M. Manns and James O. Jarrett, Sr.
As the eldest of his siblings, Clarence carried a deep sense of family responsibility and leadership from an early age. His roots in Ripley shaped his strong values, work ethic, and compassion—qualities that would define his life and the many lives he touched along the way. He received his formal education in the Lauderdale County School District, graduating from Lauderdale High School in 1960.
Clarence professed his belief in Christ at a young age and was a member of Holly Grove Baptist Church. Shortly after graduating high school, Clarence moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he met and married Shirley Tate. Their union was blessed with two children, Clarence Jr. and Cheryl Denise. Although the marriage later ended, Clarence and Shirley remained lifelong friends.
Clarence was a longtime and faithful member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a choir member and trustee until his health no longer allowed him to attend. He was employed with Briggs & Stratton Corporation for over 30 years, where he was known for his dedication and reliability. Following retirement, Clarence began working at Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, a role that perfectly combined his enjoyment of people with his love of baseball.
Clarence met and married Delores Lee, with whom he shared many wonderful years. Their marriage was filled with love, devotion, and companionship until his passing.
Clarence enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, fishing, drag car racing, and bowling. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vella Carter and James Jarrett Sr., his step parents, Charles Carter and Millie Jarrett; his brothers, Sammie Manns, LaDale Manns, and Albert Manns; and his sister, Elaine Maclin.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife Delores Manns; his children Clarence (Jalisa) Manns, Cheryl Manns, Tony (Joyce) Lee, Paulette (Ellis) Murchison, and Robert (Rayma) Lee; grandchildren Kiara Manns and Leah Manns; great-granddaughter Logan Manns; brothers Johnny (Elaine) Jiles III, Edward Jiles, and James Jarrett Jr.; brothers in law Carmack Maclin, Flhnoy Doss, and Donnie Rodgers; sisters Juanita Halfacre, Linda Marshell, Daphne (Keever) Barbee, Rene Carter, and Brenda Dickerson; sisters in law Billie Manns and Athelene Island; lifelong friends Alfonso Graham Jr., John Ware, and James Graham Sr., and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.
Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
An additional Visitation will be held at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church 1825 West Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Service at 11:00 AM.
Clarence Clayton Manns, Sr. was born on July 7, 1942, in Ripley, Tennessee, to Vella M. Manns and James O. Jarrett, Sr. As the eldest of his siblings, Clarence carried a deep sense of family responsibility and leadership from an early age. His roots in Ripley shaped his strong values, work ethic, and compassion—qualities thatContinue Reading