Lucretia’s journey on this earth began on Jan. 17, 1942, in Talladega, Alabama, where she was welcomed by loving parents, Marian Nash Yoe and Dr. Alphus Omega Yoe Jr. Early on, Lu gravitated toward exploring everything, especially the great outdoors. She far preferred playing “cowboys”, shooting her cap-pistols, and toy bow and arrows over playing dolls and hosting tea parties. She attended First Baptist Church of Talladega every Sunday with her family, and when she was age nine, she felt called to give her life to Jesus. While attending Talladega High School, she was named Maid of Cotton and was involved in various activities and clubs.
As students at Auburn University, Lucretia met George P. Mann, who eventually won over her heart, and they were married 51 years. While at Auburn, she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and she graduated in 1964 with a bachelors of science degree in exercise science.
Prior to and after having children, Lucretia and George created a mutual love for the enjoyment, advancement and conservation of the great outdoors.
Lucretia taught Physical Education at Opelika High School for several years, but later felt called to learn all she could about nature, and then pass that knowledge on to others. This passion led Lucretia and George to explore and adventure many exotic countries around the world. Countless novices sat at their feet to glean the pearls that they scattered so unselfishly to all. While George was teaching outdoor skills, Lu was busy in every corner of the world talking about Jesus and spreading the Gospel to everyone she met.
Lucretia was an expert marksman; she once grabbed a huge copperhead by the tail, threw it in the air and shot it “between the eyes” before it landed. She caught fish with a bow and arrow and she once slapped an Alaskan bear on the nose with her hat to keep him out of her tree stand.
In 1994 Lu was the only woman to be named among Alabama’s top 10 turkey hunters; most notably, she was the only one of those top 10 who took a turkey with a bow and arrow. Everything Lu did, she did with gusto. She set out to be a champion tennis player and she achieved that goal: Margaret Court (No. 1 seed tennis star in the world) once came to Opelika for an exhibition, and Lu was invited to be her sparring partner. Later in life, she excelled in golf and served on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Alabama Golf Association. Additionally, she proudly supported East Alabama Food Bank, Hattie’s Home and the Alabama Wildlife Federation where she served on the Board of Directors.
Lucretia was a loving mother, dedicated sister, faithful friend, caring grandmother and a fun aunt. Perhaps her favorite times were spent with family and then groups of friends going to the beach, playing games, or attending various Bible studies and prayer groups. She was a loyal member of First Methodist Church of Opelika where she was part of the Poe-Cumbie Sunday School Class.
Along with countless blessings came many heartaches, health issues, and obstacles, all of which Lu gracefully overcame because of God’s faithfulness and her faith in Him. Lucretia loved life and loved people.
Now, Lucretia has stepped out of her beautiful earthly body and into her new heavenly body fit for the greatest adventure of all. She is now with Jesus and met Him face to face. She will dwell in His house forever.
Lucretia was preceded in death by: her father, Dr. Alphus Omega Yoe Jr., her mother, Marian Nash Yoe, her sister, Sandra Yoe White (Charles), her husband, George Patton Mann, her daughter, Sandra Mann Brown.
She is survived by her daughter, Luanne Patton Mann (Chau Nguyen), her son, George Earl Mann (Margaret Anne Martin), and grandchildren, Rosemary Cook Mann, George Thompson Mann, Sarah Cosby Calloway Mann, Jacob Ellington Brown, and Patton Mann Brown. Brother, Alan Joseph Yoe (Amber), and Brother, Daniel Meredith Yoe; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored.
The family would like to thank Auburn Assisted Living, The Harbor and Bethany House for their care and support of Lucretia.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to First Methodist Church of Opelika.
A funeral service was held in the sanctuary of First Methodist of Opelika on Aug. 17.
