| Graduation Year | Class of 1999 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 04, 2008 |
| About | Elizabeth Lee Manning, 27, of Reno, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2008 after a period of poor health. An intrepid explorer of the world around her through people, books, music and art, Elizabeth's interests ran wide and deep. Her curiosity was boundless; and her ability to absorb new subjects tireless. Elizabeth graduated from Galena High School in 1999. She received her bachelor's degree in criminal justice with high distinction from University of Nevada Reno in May of 2004. During her time at UNR she completed an internship with the U.S. Marshals Office. She volunteered for many social service programs such as those supported by Head Start. Her interest in working directly with children and families led Elizabeth to begin coursework toward a Master of Social Work degree. Elizabeth was passionate about helping undergraduates in various ways. She recently was known to pay rent and purchase books for those that could not, affording them opportunities to attend college. Elizabeth was a “full-time student“ in every sense of that expression. She overcame learning disabilities as a child, eventually earning a 4.0 average in her university major. Her work ethic was unending, and everyone that knew her admired and respected her commitment and diligence. While in high school, Elizabeth participated in JROTC achieving the highest rank of Colonel and leading Galena's program as Battalion Commander. She was celebrated by the Washoe County School district's ROTC program as one of the most decorated cadets “this side of the Mississippi.“ Elizabeth was a passionate athlete and played varsity basketball for the Grizzlies. After graduation, she played for Feather River Community College in Quincy, CA, where she was actively scouted by four-year college programs. Her burgeoning basketball career was unfortunately ended by a serious knee injury. Elizabeth enjoyed her dogs; refurbishing off-road vehicles; camping, music, playing with her nephew, friends and family. She shared with us beautifully drawn portraits of our loved ones and many other creative works of art. Elizabeth is survived by her mother, Tanya Jordan-Taylor; her sister, Stephanie Avery Sears and partner Dave Gill; nephew, Christopher W. Sears; brother, Gabriel J. Taylor, all of Reno; her aunts and uncles, Kimberly Marlowe Hartnett and Tim Hartnett of Portland, OR; Steven Taylor and Janice Hickey of Seattle; her stepfather, Gerald R. Taylor of Florida; and many beloved friends. Visitation hours will be held at Mountain View Mortuary 425 Stoker Ave., Reno, on Sunday, August 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. A Memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 Island Ave., Reno, NV 89501 on Tuesday, August 12 at 3 p.m. Those wishing to make gifts in Elizabeth's name are encouraged to consider The Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, 2680 E. 9th St., Reno, NV 89512 or the Nevada Humane Society, 2825 Longley Lane, Suite B, Reno, NV 89502-5942. We will miss her greatly and take with us the beauty of her undying loyalty and commitment to all that she considered family |
