By Felicia Mims Douglas
The year was 1916. The average life expectancy was 49.6 years for men and 54.3 years for women. The price of a new Model T Ford was $360. The first supermarket, Piggly Wiggly opened. Average prices for the following items:
- Eggs were 38 cents per dozen
- A loaf of bread was 8 cents
- A 10 pound of potatoes cost 25 cents
- Coffee sold for 30 to 32 cents per pound
- Milk was 36 cents per gallon
- A movie ticket cost 7 cents
- A first-class postage stamp was 2 cents
- Gasoline was 22 cents per gallon.
Walter Anderson invented the hamburger bun. The children’s toy, Lincoln Logs, was invented. Only 13 per cent of students earned a high school diploma; and very few homes had complete, indoor plumbing.
It was a sweltering day in July–July 28 to be exact. There was no mistaking—the ‘dog days’ of summer had arrived! Near Homer, Louisiana, up in the small “Rocky Mount” Community of Claiborne Parish, Mr. Willie B. Shyne (dad) and Mrs. Athlene Harris Shyne (mom) anxiously awaited the birth of their second child. And finally, she was born. They named her Elva—which reached its peak popularity for baby girls’ names in 1918. After her birth, her parents would have 10 more children. But, there was something extra special about Elva…
At the age of five, she started school at the Rocky Mount Rosenwald Elementary School. She attended that school until she completed the seventh grade. Then, she entered Homer Colored High School in October 1937 for grades 8 – 12. On a Wednesday evening, August 17, 1932, at the church’s revival at the Springhill (North) C.M.E. Church, she decided to give her life to Christ and “took the pastor’s hand”—Rev. B. D. Smith and joined the church–a couple of weeks after her sixteenth birthday. She vowed that she wanted to belong to and work for Christ until she died. As a faithful member of Springhill, over the years she worked tirelessly in the choir, on the Steward and Stewardess Boards, Missionary Society, Trustee Board, as Superintendent of Sunday School…Vice President and Church Secretary Emerita—a position that she held for over 50 years without compensation…Special—Indeed!
On May 22, 1942, she received her high school diploma and immediately started her quest for a teaching career. Mrs. Elva enrolled in Grambling College in the Summer of 1942 to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. She married Mr. Felix Manning on April 25, 1946. Although she was only able to attend college during the summer and on some Saturdays, she was determined to earn her degree. She persevered—despite many hardships, and on August 31, 1956, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Upper Elementary Education. She taught school for 29 years at Mt. Olive Elementary, Mt. Superior Elementary, Calhiem Elementary, St. Rest Elementary and Summerfield High School.
In June of 1971, she retired from teaching. She had been married for over 25 years and truly wanted a child. Then, God blessed her and her husband, Felix–through the legal adoption process—with a beautiful baby daughter that they named Quibilah Manning (now Waggoner). Special—for sure! He also blessed her with two grandsons Remond Elder, Jr. (deceased) and Devonte’ Elder. Her beloved husband passed away in 1999. It is no secret that God and her biological and church families are her priority and her pride and joy.
Never a complainer or one to grumble, she has always had a servant’s heart and has been and still is a willing servant of God. She is a member of the Louisiana Association of Education, Webster Parish Association of Retired Teachers and the Louisiana Association of Retired Teachers. She organized the Springhill (North) Community Cemetery Association—serving as the secretary and as a member of the cemetery committee. She is also affiliated with the Order of the Eastern Star (Minden Lodge Harmony Chapter #81), The Amaranth, Lady Knights Templar, Heroines of Jericho and Daughters of the Sphynx.
Fast forward to 2026… Truly Special…Now a transplant and one of the oldest residents in the great state of Texas, Mrs. Elva resides at Five Points Nursing and Rehabilitation of Desoto in Desoto, Texas. Today is her actual birth date and she was eagerly anticipating her birthday. However, on July 25, the facility, her family and friends helped her to celebrate her 110th birthday with an early, “Pretty in Pink” birthday party at the facility. And then, a fish fry at her daughter’s house in the area. Needless to say, she has earned ‘royalty’ status many times over and that’s how Mrs. Elva is treated. Noted guests included the Honorable Rachel L. Proctor, Mayor of Desoto.
Still mentally sharp at 110, this super-centenarian is a treasure and wealth of knowledge on many subjects. She has lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, Women earning the right to vote, 20 individuals who have served as President of the U.S., Desegregation, the Civil Rights Movement and African Americans gaining the right to vote and COVID-19—just to name a few. Just ask Mrs. Elva how she has been able to live and thrive for all of these years, and she’ll get straight to the point. “It’s nothing that I have done besides my prayers and faith… it is simply God’s grace, mercy and favor. He just keeps on blessing me!” God has watched over her and rewarded her with 110 years of life. She’s definitely someone special; and therefore, we (all the family members and relatives, church members and friends who know and love her) salute Mrs. Elva Shyne Manning on her 110th birthday and wish her many, many more! Happy Birthday to her…
