News Summary
Barbara St. John Manning, a beloved matriarch from Metairie, Louisiana, passed away at 83, leaving behind a rich legacy of family, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. Known for her nurturing spirit and dedication to her children, she created a close-knit family dynamic. After successfully running a paint business with her husband, she operated a neighborhood café for over two decades, fostering a loyal community following. Barbara’s passions included sports and animal care, and she was a vibrant figure in local Mardi Gras celebrations. A celebration of her life is scheduled soon.
Metairie, Louisiana
Barbara St. John Manning, a cherished matriarch and longtime resident of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away at the age of 83 on August 23, 2025, while surrounded by her family in the LCMC ICU. Born on November 25, 1941, in New Orleans, she lived a life dedicated to family, community, and entrepreneurship.
Manning was the daughter of Gertrude and William St. John and raised five children in a nurturing environment where family bonds were a cornerstone. Her children, who chose to purchase homes within blocks of their childhood residence, exemplified the close-knit family dynamic instilled by their mother. Manning spent 16 formative years as a stay-at-home mom, earning recognition as a loving mother, disciplinarian, friend, and counselor.
After her children grew up, she ventured into the business field with her husband, LeRoy “Red” Manning, Sr. In 1991, at the age of 50, they opened Rainbow Paint & Wallcovering, Inc., which they successfully ran until selling it in 1996. Following this, Barbara managed the Corner Café, a neighborhood restaurant that became a community fixture during her over 20-year tenure. She retired and sold the café at 77, having built a loyal customer base and treating employees and patrons like family.
Manning’s life extended beyond family and business; she was known for her diverse interests. In her youth, she excelled at bowling, even serving as an instructor. She and her husband were avid supporters of local sports, holding season tickets for both the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints. A passionate advocate for Mardi Gras, Barbara participated in various parades and founded her own krewe in Kenner during the 1970s.
Animal lovers would remember her for her affection towards pets, having cared for parrots, show dogs, and indoor cats. She humorously acknowledged some “dryer incidents” with her cats, which often provided light-hearted humor for family gatherings. Additionally, Barbara was the driving force behind holiday celebrations, initiating a beloved Christmas Eve tradition that featured visits from Santa Claus, ensuring all attendees received gifts for nearly 70 years.
Family Legacy
Barbara is survived by her five children: Leroy Manning, Jr., Perry Manning, Sr. (Liz), Shawn Manning (Michelle), Jason Manning, Sr. (Jennifer), and Staci Manning Perez (Byran). She leaves behind a legacy of 12 grandchildren—LeRoy Manning III, Perry Manning, Jr. (Mary Grace), Amber Manning (Glenn Jr.), Kyle Manning (Caitlin), Casey Manning, Jason Manning Jr., Carson Perez, Jonathan Manning, Mason Perez, Hudson Perez, Emily Manning, and Branson Perez—as well as five great-grandchildren, including Sadie, Harper, Glenn III, Perry III, and Hannah.
Her family also remembers her siblings: brothers William St. John, Warren St. John, and Robert St. John. Barbara was predeceased by her husband LeRoy Manning, Sr., whom she was married to for nearly 50 years, as well as her parents and brother Dale St. John.
Celebration of Life Service
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for September 2, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a mass set to begin at 7:00 pm at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home in New Orleans. The family will conduct a private interment the following day, honoring the memory and legacy of Barbara St. John Manning.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Barbara Manning Obituary
- Wikipedia: Metairie, Louisiana
- Legacy: Dale St. John Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans
- Dignity Memorial: Harry Wood Obituary
- Google Search: Mardi Gras
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
