Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

After 83 years of a life well lived, Manilla Cathron Huffman passed away on December 11, 2022, at her home in McAlester, OK. The family will greet friends at Chaney Harkins Funeral Home Chapel from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Services to celebrate Manilla's life will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2022, at Chaney Harkins Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain J.T. Carnell officiating. She will be laid to rest at North Town Cemetery in McAlester, OK following her service. On September 17, 1939, Manilla was born to Leroy and Manilla C. (Jackson) Smith in Coffeyville, KS the youngest of seven girls. She married Elic Walter Huffman in 1954 and was blessed with eight children. She and Elic made their home in McAlester, OK and raised their family there. Manilla retired from William Gay Early Childhood Center as a cafeteria worker. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, working in her flower gardens, and especially took pleasure in taking care of her hummingbirds. Manilla is survived by her children: Steve Huffman of Arpelar, OK, Mike Huffman of El Paso, TX, Donna Powell of McAlester, OK, Kenny Huffman and Pam Persechino of Indianola, OK; daughters-in-law: Nancy Huffman of Guthrie, OK, and Terry Huffman of Vancouver, WA; grandchildren: Shonda Mashburn, Cindy Caraway, Shannon Powell, Josh Huffman, Kyle Huffman, Shane Huffman, Ethan Huffman, David Huffman, Melissa Huffman-Caraway, Jason Huffman, and Chase Huffman; close family friend: Gloria Hance; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband: Elic Huffman; her parents: Leroy and Manilla Smith; children: Diana Huffman, David Huffman, Doug Huffman; infant son: Kevin Huffman; daughter-in-law, Regina Huffman; and six sisters.