Lola Frances Manofsky, age 100, of St. Augustine, Florida passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2021.

Born of humble beginnings to Benjamin E. Warren and Lola E. Johnson Warren, Lola Frances (known as Fran), one of 15 children, 14 of which (7 boys and 7 girls) lived to adulthood. The years growing up were a struggle but she was able to live her entire life with following her much loved Jesus and her “One day at a time” motto. She often told stories of walking barefoot to school after caring for the farm animals and helping her mother with household chores. A lot fell on Fran’s shoulders being the oldest girl, with brother Arthur and her father often gone and busy. She would assist in caring and even helping birth her younger siblings, Fern (Clements), Margaret McKigney, Wayne, Charlotte (Ervin), Gene, Leola (Summar), Rowena (Kirist) Lyle, Lee, Barbara (Archer), Carroll and Ronnie. Only sister Leola remains living with her daughter, Sharon. Lola has always been a very accomplished homemaker and artist, and won many bowling and domino tournaments. She was a pretty good pool player and singer, participating in church plays in younger years. She bowled until age 95 and won domino tournaments until she was 98.

Although Lola Frances has survived her immediate early family, God has blessed her with not only many nieces and nephews but also her two marriages produced much in the way of family and friends. Early on she met and married Harold C. Watson who worked in oil fields and with Hushpuppy. Remembering her first ride in a model A and electricity and luxuries of such we take for granted, made this young bride excited when the adventure of motherhood began.

She was blessed with 4 boys, Harold was first who later married, Yvonne and gave her 2 grandsons, Edward Dwayne (Cindy) and Jeffery Watson and 2 greats, Corey and Jake and 3 great greats, Jason “JT”, Paislee and Kyle. Her Next son, Lester F. Watson married to Carol (Deceased) gave her grandson, Gregory (Lois) and 2 greats, Stephen and Sean. Lester married Pat and she received Ronnie (Sonya) and Mike. Her next son was Jerry married to Darlene (Deceased), brought her grandchildren, Stephen, Belinda and Jennifer and great grandchildren, Brandon, Michelle, Mathew, Andrew, Bret, Katie and Addison. And then came her youngest son, Carroll Lee Watson affectionately called “Lil Beaver” who with wife Sharon presented her with more grandchildren, Richard, Randy (Johanna), Rob (Judy), Roger (Tammy), Deana Kay (Joe) McDaid and Raymond (Tonya Lynn) and greats, among these are Gunner, Harper, and Bonnie. Beaver’s marriage to Debby H. gave more grandchildren, Tina and Jonathan. And you thought her life’s adventure was complete, think again. After her time in Michigan and Illinois, when her beloved Harold passed on she moved to Florida to be near her sister, Margaret and while working for Publix was introduced through her sister to Edward Manofsky. After 32 years married to her first husband, soon married again and began another almost 32 years with Edward.

When she and Edward (an entrepreneur and engineer) she began a full life of travel adventure and more family. With this marriage she included his 3 children, Edward, Jr. “Ted”, Stephanie “Stevie" and Mark. And from her only girl (who cared for her in her last over a dozen years) came 2 more grand children, Thomas Lague (Anna) and Michelle Givens, Owens and one great, Dylan. When Stevie married Tom Lague (deceased), his daughters Cheryl and Laura became her granddaughters too. From Mark (Linda) she received, Cathy, Sean and Mark, Jr. and greats, Christina MacKenzie and Addison.

Her last years, after the 2004 passing of her husband Edward, has been spent traveling with “her girl” Stevie and many gatherings with family and friends, like Annette, Flo, Jan, Desi, Barb, Andre, Gary, Dr. Ray, Bill, Bob, Ester, St. Cloud Seniors Club, Borrillo's family, Joseph family, Dr. Morrow, Phil, Jane, Gus, Elizabeth, Tiffany, Tony and Fisher Family, Chrissy, Givens and Gowens and too many others to mention, who affectionately called her Grandma.

So when you wish for a “full life” look no farther than Lola Fran and always remember take it “one day at a time” with God’s help. And she still would talk, sew, sing and dance with her friends. Remembered with love always.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, at Ithaca Cemetery. She was a parishioner of St. Augustine Cathedral Parish, the oldest parish in the United States, and Father will preside in Michigan.