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Jessica Ann Manna lived a life full of activity, compassion, and devotion. Born on September 22nd, 1976 in Kearney, her early years took her from Kearney to Bellevue, finally settling in Gretna, where she completed her high school education. Her adolescence was full of extracurriculars, from sports like cross country and track to involvement in a myriad of clubs, music groups, both band and vocal, plus church activities as well.

Post-graduation, Jessica pursued her passion for education, earning her degree in Elementary Education from Grace College of the Bible and Peru State College. Her desire to be connected extended beyond academics as she continued to engage in music groups and cheerleading during her college years. It was during this time that she also met Stephen, her future husband.

Their love story moved swiftly, leading to marriage shortly after graduation. Jessica then embarked on her teaching journey, pouring her heart into young minds in various roles. Almost three years into their marriage, Jessica and Stephen ventured into short-term missionary work in Mossoro, Brazil, further desiring to discern God's call on their lives through serving others.

After returning, the next ten years brought a new season in their lives with the birth of their three children, Christina, Mikayla, and Josiah. Over those years, from West Point to Shenandoah and eventually settling in Omaha, Jessica truly committed to her roles as a wife, mother, friend, educator, and member of the church. Her days were filled with caring for her family, contributing to her church, and pursuing various interests, all while staying connected to friends old and new.

Jessica was driven by a desire to be significant in the lives of those around her. When her children entered their adolescent years, she pursued a new career path, transitioning to Thrivent Financial. Despite facing some challenges along the way, she approached her work with determination, earning certifications and commendations from those who worked alongside her.

However in 2022, Jessica's journey took a drastic turn. She was confronted with the diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer, a battle she fought hard with a deep trust in God. She acknowledged "to live is Christ, and to die is gain", knowing the Spirit's presence upheld her in the experience. God carried her home on April 23rd, 2024. Her departure has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, but her legacy of warmth, compassion, friendliness, and faithfulness in the triune God will endure.

Jessica's life served as a blessing to all who had the privilege of crossing paths with her. Her active commitment to her family, her circle of friends, and her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ left a lasting mark on the world, a testament to the impact one person can have through a life lived in the love and grace of God.

Jessica was preceded in death by her grandparents; Glenn and Delores Hunter, Beth Magill, and Ray and Fran Magill.

She is survived by her husband, Stephen; children, Christina (Noel) Peterson, Mikayla Manna, and Josiah Manna; parents, Jerry and Renae Magill; sister, Monica (Andy) Herd, nieces and nephews; Nathan, Katelyn, and Megan Herd and Alyssa (John) Krogstrand, nieces and nephews; Mitchell, Rebecca, and Addison Krogstrand, brothers and sisters-in-laws; Mike (Judy) Manna and Jeff (Shana) Manna, sisters and brothers-in-laws; Susie (Nelson) Jenkins and Shari (Dan) Holmes.

Funeral Services will be held 10:00am Monday, April 29th at Coram Deo Church (8787 Pacific Street). Visitation with family will be from 3:00 - 6:00pm Sunday at the Church. Graveside services will be held at the Herman Cemetery in Herman, NE following the services.

In Loving Remembrance of Jessica Ann Manna

Birth September 22, 1976 Kearney, Nebraska ~ Death April 23, 2024 Elkhorn, Nebraska

Funeral Service 10am Monday, April 29, 2024 Coram Deo Church, 8787 Pacific Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Officiant: Pastor Dusty White. Pianist: Bethany Prentice. Music Selections: "Find You Here", "Yet Not I", "All Glory Be To Christ"

Pallbearers: Stephen Abels, Brandon Hunter, Luke Manna, Craig Brokaw, Christian Jenkins, Seth Holmes

Memorials: Coram Deo Church, Project Pink'd, or Memories for Kids

Interment: Herman Cemetery, Herman, Nebraska

~~~obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave # 269797208