Nina Fern Fewkes Mann was born in Albion, Illinois, on October 24, 1939, the third child of Harvey Walker and Ethel Ozella (Simms) Fewkes. She was raised on the family farm southeast of Albion and attended Red Top School, before finishing at Albion Grade School and Edwards County High School. On September 23, 1956, she married Virgil Ray Mann, and they made their home on a farm west of Albion. They had four children: Daniel Ray, born July 31, 1958; Teresa Lynn, born September 6, 1959; Gregory Scott, born September 12, 1960; and Pamela Jo, born November 17, 1961. Nina departed this life early morning on July 3, 2021, at the age of 81 years, 8 months and 10 days.
Nina was devoted to her family. She was actively involved in the lives of her children and saw that they were involved in school, church, sports, music, 4-H and other activities. She loved sports, and rarely missed attending a game for her children and grandchildren, sometimes even going to multiple games a night. Many knew her as an unofficial scorekeeper and statistician at the games, a nod to her love of numbers.
As a teenager, Nina began working as a waitress at the Nu-Way Restaurant. Nina loved numbers and accounting, and in 1967, she began working for Mr. Paul Waite preparing taxes. After his death, she started Nina Mann Bookkeeping and Tax Service in 1977, at a time when few women owned their own business. She prepared taxes for over 53 years and cherished the relationships she developed with her clients over the years.
Nina supported many community events and activities. Until her death, she was actively involved with Albion Homes. She was a member of Little Prairie Christian Church, and served as a youth group teacher for many years. Nina got great satisfaction from helping others and provided many selfless acts of service to family, friends, neighbors and others.
Nina is survived by two sons, Dan of Urbana and Greg (Holly) of Albion; two daughters, Terry Mewes of Albion and Pam Mann of Fort Branch, IN; four granddaughters Tiffany (Lance) McVaigh of West Salem, Ashley (Peter) Craig of Albion, Whitney (Bryce) Buckles of Ellery, and Chelsea (Jarod) Pugh of Arcola; seven great grandchildren, Emersyn and Bransen McVaigh of West Salem, Harper and Millie Craig of Albion, Bryttni and Ramsey Buckles of Ellery, and Finley Pugh of Arcola; a brother, David (Lois) Fewkes of Albion; three brothers-in-law, Ted Bosecker of Mt. Carmel, Steve Mann of Olney, and Mike (Lois) Mann of Ellery; three sisters-in-law, Ruth (Ray) Fewkes Root of Albion, Marilyn Mann of Albion, and Shirley Mann of Ellery; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Nina was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Mann; her parents, Harvey and Ethel Fewkes; a son-in-law, Larry Mewes; a brother, Harold Fewkes; three sisters, Lona Smith, Nola Bosecker and Ada Ruth Cowling; brothers-in-law, Ron Mann and Stan Mann.
Nina’s was a life well lived. She was a special person who will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
Memorials may be made to Edwards County Senior Citizens or Little Prairie Cemetery Fund.
Visitation: Wednesday, July 7, 2021, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Ingram Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL.
Funeral: Wednesday, July 7, 2021, 2:00 pm at Ingram Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL.
Clergy: Rev. David Shain
Interment: Little Prairie Cemetery, Albion, IL.
Ingram Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL.