MEMPHIS, TN – With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Bayla Goldberg Manis, 86, on November 29.
A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Bayla is survived by her daughter, Terri Manis Struminger (Scot), two granddaughters, Jodie (Michael Weisman) and Brittany Struminger, two brothers, Aubrey (Joanne) Goldberg of Las Vegas, Nev., and Don (Kay) Goldberg of Suffolk, two sisters-in-law, Shirley Manis and Marcia (Tom) Fisher, both of Memphis, a brother-in-law, John McDonald, of Wilmington, Del., and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Arnold Asher Manis, parents, Miriam and Meyer Goldberg, daughter, Jennifer Lynn Manis (who passed away in 1987 on the same date), two sisters, Beth (Alvin) Lansky of Memphis, Tenn., and Edie McDonald of Wilmington, Del., and a brother-in-law, Irving Manis, of Memphis, Tenn.
Born October 23, 1937 in Newport News, Va., Bayla and her family later moved to Suffolk, where she graduated from Suffolk High School.
She later graduated from Mary Washington College, then the women’s college of the University of Virginia, in Fredericksburg, Va.
Upon graduation, Bayla returned to Suffolk and worked as a teacher until relocating to Memphis in August 1962 after getting married.
Bayla’s life in Memphis was dedicated to taking care of her family, especially Jennifer, when she became ill at a young age. After Jennifer passed away, Bayla became an avid participant in the Memphis Jewish Community Center fitness classes, attending three days per week for more than 30 years. Upon Arnold’s retirement, she joined him at the fitness center a few additional days each week. She was also frequently seen there taking one or both grandchildren to ballet classes and attending dance recitals.
Bayla was an avid sports enthusiast, playing basketball in high school and attending University of Memphis (then Memphis State University) basketball games. After giving up season tickets when the Tigers changed venues from the Mid-South Coliseum, Bayla didn’t miss a televised game. Watching them with her became a favorite family past time right up until her death, even from the hospital as she stayed warm under her Memphis Tiger fleece blanket.
Family members also enjoyed Bayla’s knitting skills, continuing to use and cherish blankets she made for them.
A funeral took place with burial in Baron Hirsch Cemetery. Donations to Baron Hirsch Synagogue, Temple Israel, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of the donor’s choice.