Leslie Earl Mann    ( May 17, 1930 - May 16, 2020 )

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“May the works I’ve done speak for me”

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The words that are indicated above are words of a song, that when examined carefully or even casually, will be obviously applicable to Les Mann. He wanted, always, to be measured by what he did and how he lived his life. He lived a life that was so much about service to others, about caring for his neighbors, for his family and fulfilling the commandment that we love our neighbors as ourselves.  His life’s work spoke to this fact every day and in every way. 

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The late Leslie Earl Mann, son of Carlos and Odessa Mann, served as a faithful son, an esteemed big brother, a loving husband, a devoted father, a humanitarian, an entrepreneur and a friend to many. Les was born Sunday, May 17, 1930 in Hyde County, North Carolina.  He grew up in a close-knit family environment, as a member of St. Reddick Missionary Baptist Church of Belhaven, NC.  Family and faith would remain important to Les and serve as the essential ingredients that tied together all else that was successfully accomplished throughout his entire life.

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In approximately 1953 Leslie Earl Mann and Harriet Jane Bailey met, fell in love, married and began a lifelong journey of love that resulted in five children and dreams fulfilled over a period of sixty-seven years in Norwalk, Connecticut. 

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Les was well loved throughout his life, he was a people person, always maintained employment and took very good care of his immediate and extended family alike. For years, he made certain that his children had the benefit of knowing and visiting with their relatives in North Carolina every summer. During these trips the family would bond around their faith, sing all of the Mahalia Jackson songs that they knew and hear about the importance of the work being done by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the various civil rights activities that were ongoing at the time.

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During the 1960’s Les brought a little club and named it “The Green Lantern”.  It soon became apparent that he was uniquely a person that was drawn to other people and they were drawn to him.  This began his journey of entrepreneurship which included, in addition to the Green Lantern, The Downbeat and Les’ New Moon.  In each situation his businesses were popular because he cared about the community and in return the community cared about him. He later remained engaged with the community through his work with the Moose Lodge and Baker Funeral Services as he transitioned into retirement.

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Les peacefully departed this life on May 16, 2020, the day before his 90th birthday.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife; Harriet; five children: Joseph (Shirley), Debra (George), Mary, Veronica and Lorrie. A sister; Esther Mann. Four grandchildren; Andre (La Toya), Lindell, Danye (Albertha) and Nakayra (Kevin), fourteen great grandchildren; Aubrianna, Zaire, Zion, Josiah, Milan, Nailah, Jadania, Pierce, Ava, Arianna, Zenith, Presley, Danye Aiden and Brayden, adopted grandkids; Ricketta and Lauren Stevens, and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

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He was pre-deceased by his parents, Carlos and Odessa Mann; nine of his ten siblings: Estelle, Carlos Jr., Louise, Izetta, Bessie, James, Roger, Joseph and Ernestine. a grandson; Christopher and a granddaughter; Chrystal.

Les’ passion for children, family, fairness, equality, history and friendships will forever be a reminder of the legacy he leaves behind. He treated others in the manner that he wanted to be treated and he showed genuine love and care for everyone he came in contact with. Les will be tremendously missed and adored by his close family and friends. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to family, unforgettable smile and charisma will be missed "Without a doubt!"

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