Fumiko Kitazumi Manuel, passed away in the early hours of December 16, 2024 in Whitewright, TX at the age of 87.

Born in Tokyo, Japan on January 21, 1937, Mickey survived World War II and the devastation that the Japanese experienced following the atomic bombs. In 1957, she met an American soldier, LT Manuel, while working in a noodle shop. They married in Japan, traveled to the United States on a naval ship, and then made a grueling drive from California to Texas where they started their family. Mickey began learning English by watching Sesame Street and Captain Kangaroo. She later attended English and citizenship classes at "International", a program sponsored by First Baptist Richardson. This program planted a seed in her heart and she later accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. The New Testament Bible she received at the "International" program is still in her purse almost 50 years later. Through struggle and sacrifice, Mickey earned her U.S. citizenship in 1976. She was extremely patriotic and she loved her country.  Mickey was a devoted housewife and mother. She was an excellent cook, a talented seamstress, and an expert at crocheting. After raising her children, she entered the job market where she excelled and won the highest quality award in her company. After retirement, she spent her time crafting, attending activities at the Senior Citizen Center, tending her gorgeous flower beds, and keeping her family on their toes with her shenanigans. She once asked her granddaughter if she was famous because she was often recognized in public as her family shared many of her shenanigans on social media. She loved her family, all things sparkly, the color pink (the brighter, the better) , and was the biggest supporter of President Donald Trump.

Mickey was preceded in death by her late husband, LT Manuel. She is survived by her children, Tina Copeland and Charlie of Whitewright, Casey Leclair of Tom Bean, and Tommie Hejke of McKinney, her grandchildren Amanda Grissom and Jessey of Sherman, and Keith Copeland and Kristen of Coweta, OK, and her great-grandchildren Hadlee and Wesley.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday, December 17th, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman, TX. A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, December 18th, at 2:00 pm at Holloway Cemetery in Luella, TX.