“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15
Ruth Evelyn Manning Dees, age 79, died March 9, 2017. Ruth, affectionately known as “Sissy Baby”, was born August 18, 1937 in Picayune, Miss. to the late Mr. Percy and Alice Manning.  Ruth Evelyn joined Pilgrim Bound Missionary Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Reverend Kelly.  Ruth Evelyn Dees received her formal education from George Washington Carver High School and graduated in 1957. She was employed by Mississippi Action for Progress for over 50 years. She had a humble and caring spirit, loved children, and was an excellent cook.  Sister Ruth Evelyn Dees’ biggest joys were serving the Lord, her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She was Director of the Youth Department, a member of Senior Mission II, Pastor’s Aide, Deaconess, and an active Sunday School member at Pilgrim Bound Missionary Baptist Church.
Ruth Evelyn Manning Dees transitioned into Heaven singing His praises and glorifying the Lord on March 9, 2017.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Percy Manning, Sr. and Alice Manning; sister, Eunice Perkins; husband, Reverend Alonzo Dees.
Ruth Evelyn Manning Dees leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters, Debra (Frank) Woods of New Orleans, La., Pamela Dees Rhodes of Picayune, Miss., and Rosiland Dees (Reginald) of San Antonio, Texas; two sons, Steven (Donna) Dees of Lithonia, Ga. and Reverend Brian K. Dees, of Picayune, Miss.; six grandchildren, Shanna Woods, Demetrius Favors, Constance Rhodes, Justin Woods, Kayla Dees, and Tabitha Dees; six siblings: Frances Fredericks, Anna Marie Bush (Bernard), Percy Manning, Jr., Tommy Manning, Clifton Manning, Sr., and Hazel Raymond.  Also, a mother to Dr. Sherri Rieux, Eric Raymond, Clifton J. Manning, Jr., Carlos Manning, Terry F. Fields, Helen Crawford, Barbara Davis, Donna Stacks, Charles Jones, Lucy Jackson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Service will be held at Pilgrim Bound Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Visitation begins an hour prior at 1:00 p.m.
Interment will be held at Picayune Cemetery under direction of Baylous Funeral Home.