Lois E. Manuel, 88, of Asbury Park, NJ passed away following a brief illness on Wedesday, September 30, 2015. She was born on March 22, 1927, in Long Branch, New Jersey, and was the youngest of six children born to the union of Daniel and Emily Chisolm. She grew up in Asbury Park, NJ, and graduated from Asbury Park High School.

Lois married William H. Manuel in 1948 and from that union four children were born: Gail D. (Manuel) Howard, Gregory W. Manuel, Timothy G. Manuel, and Kenneth W. Manuel. She later adopted a second daughter, Elizabeth Byrd-DuPree.

Following high school, Lois entered studies as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  In 1947 she satisfied the New Jersey State Requirements to practice as an LPN at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, N.J. She served in that capacity for 33 years, before her retirement.

Lois loved the Lord and raised her children to love and serve the Lord as well. She was a life-time member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, where she served as a member of the Choir, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), The Sunshine Committee, and the Telephone Committee.

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Lois believed in the importance of being an active member of her community and served in a number of capacities. She was a Life-Long Member of the West Side Community Center in Asbury Park, and served as the Chairperson of the Bangs Avenue School Reunion Committee. She was also a Life- Member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. One of her passions was serving others and she was an active participant of the Project Share Foundation, which provided free food to those in need.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements in her church and the Greater Asbury Park Community, Lois was the recipient of many awards and citations, including: a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in 2007, for "her outstanding and invaluable service to the community."

She also received a Citation from the United States House of Representatives in 1992, for her extensive community service work. In that same year, she was presented with a Resolution from the New Jersey General Assembly, for giving "abundantly of her time, energy and resources to benefit others" in such a way that "by her deeds and by her example, she has set a standard of personal and professional excellence towards which others might strive."

Lois is a two-time recipient of The Community Service Award, presented by The Brookdale Community College Foundation's Wilbur Ray Scholarship Committee (1992 and 2007). In 1996, she was also honored by the Board of Trustees of the Brookdale Community College Foundation for her generous support of the Foundation's Scholarship Program.

In addition to the numerous awards and accolades she received from the surrounding community, Lois was also a very respected and devoted member of her Church Family at St. Augustine's and for her efforts and leadership, she was recognized by the Spirituality, Evangelism and Newcomers Committee in 1996, for her "lifelong stewardship and dedication to St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. In 1989, she was recognized as "An Unsung Heroine" for her willingness "to go when called, to do when asked, never seeking recognition."

On June 27, 2010, Lois was also named "Woman of the Year" by the Episcopal Church Women of St. Augustine's.

Lois was predeceased by her parents, Daniel (Sr.) and Emily Chisolm; five siblings, Daniel Chisolm Jr., Winston Chisolm, Emily Wran, Harold Chisolm, and Dorothy McNish; daughter, Elizabeth Byrd- DuPree; and granddaughter, Tyhesha DuPree.

She is survived by her four children, Gail (Ronnie) Howard, Gregory (Mary) Manuel, Timothy (Michelle) Manuel, and Kenneth (Patricia) Manuel; ten grandchildren, Hakim DuPree-Paul, Christina (Chuck) Perry, Kevin (Patricia) Howard, Janaya Manuel, Gregory Manuel II, Ian Manuel, Jeneane Manuel, Timothy Manuel, Jr., Casey Howard, and Melanie Manuel; seven great-grandchildren, Jihad and Tyree Owens, Malachi Hardenber, Jhamier Howard, Kevin R. Howard, Annaliese Howard, and Harper Manuel; two very special dedicated friends, Ms. Minnie Alexander, and Ms. Johnnie Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.