Shirley Mae Manko

Shirley Mae Manko of Owings, Maryland, passed away on April 14, 2026, with her husband and daughter by her side. She was born June 13,1949, in Philippi, West Virginia, to William and Lena Green. After graduating with high honors from Philip Barbour High School in 1967, Shirley began her long, 37-year federal career at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Washington, DC. She quickly established herself as a capable and dedicated public servant who was well respected by everyone she worked with and for. Shirley was known for following the rules and laws while working for the American taxpayer with both Republican and Democratic leaderships at the highest levels within HUD.

On March 31, 1973, in Oakland, Maryland, she married the love of her life and loving husband, John. In 1976, they welcomed their only daughter, Melissa Renee. After settling in Clinton, Maryland for several years, they would make their forever home in Calvert County in 1987. Shirley was an active participant in Melissa's life, volunteering for many years on the PTA and at Melissa's school and dance events. In 2004, she welcomed her son-in-law, Timothy White, into the family. Melissa and Tim gave her two of her most precious gifts, her grandchildren. Upon retirement in 2005, she enjoyed being able to care for her grandson, Tyler Michael and a few years later, Natalie Mae. She had a special bond with both of them and was so proud to be their grandmother. Family was her true passion. Shirley also enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, attending bible study sessions at Calvert Grace Church, and vacationing with family members over the years.

Shirley is survived by her beloved husband John Patrick Manko of Owings, Maryland; her daughter Melissa White and son-in-law Timothy of Owings, MD; grandson Tyler White of Owings, MD; granddaughter Natalie White of Owings, MD; sister Betty Sisler and husband Ernie of Philippi, WV; sister Karen Upton and late husband Bill of Fairmont, WV; sister Janet Davis and husband Lynn of Philippi, WV; sister Judy Smith and husband Bill of Columbia, SC; brother John Green and late wife Priscilla of Philippi, WV; sister Mary Maxson of Volga, WV; brother-in-law Nory Olay of Childress, TX; sister-in-law Karen Manko of Howesville, WV; brother-in-law Scott Manko of Bayard, WV; brother-in-law Steve Issac of Bruceton Mills, WV and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Lena Green of Philippi, WV; sister Terry Olay of Childress, TX; sister Sharon Moats and husband Roger of Philippi, WV; brother-in-law Philip Knight of Philippi, WV; Father-in-law Lewis Manko and wife Hazel of Bayard, WV; brother-in-law Mike Manko of Howesville, WV; sister-in-law Molly Manko of Bruceton Mills, WV, nephew Todd Manko of Howesville, WV; and nephew Todd Upton of Fairmont, WV.

A funeral service to celebrate Shirley's life will be held on April 27, 2026, at Calvert Grace Community Church, 9870 Old Solomons Island Road, Owings, MD 20736. A public visitation will be held from 11:00am to 12:00pm with a service starting at 12:00pm. Burial will follow at Southern Memorial Gardens, 10155 Ward Road, Dunkirk, MD 20754.