Jessica Ann Manning, 43, Kansas City, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly at home May 30, 2026.

Jessica was born in Kansas City, Missouri on March 22, 1983 to Fred and Kathy Manning. Jess attended school in the Raytown School District. During her childhood years she played basketball and volleyball. She was also in Girl Scouts. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Library Science from the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Jess was a voracious reader since young childhood. She loved being in a library or book store. Jess also attended several authors conventions during which she would have to take an extra empty suitcase to bring all of her newly acquired book’s home. She very much enjoyed meeting her favorite authors and becoming friends with some of them!  Jessica loved to camp and boat with her family. She learned to ski and tube at a young age. She was also pretty good at catching fish.

Jess was very much a family person. Growing up we called her the family social organizer because she truly loved when her extended family got together. As a young girl she was very close to her cousin Stacey, who was only 2 years older. They were inseparable, frequently spending time at each other's house.

 At the age of three, Jess was blessed with a baby brother, Matthew, whom she adored. The two of them spent many hours playing in the family pool with their parents and looking forward to trips to Arkansas to visit extended family. The most important thing to remember about Jessica was how very, very much she loved her son, Lawrence (Larry). He was the most important thing in life to her. Jess shined brightly in being Lawrence’s mother. When Larry started Cub Scouting, Jess was right there supporting him in every way. As Larry advanced through the Scouting program, including the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, his mother did also, including the earned rank of Honorary Warrior. Through the years, Jessica served in many different roles in the Scouting program, including Committee Chair.

Jess and Larry were both active at their church, including being a part of the hand bell choir. She couldn’t have been prouder than when her son, Lawrence, preached on a Sunday. Jess and Larry attended many concerts together and went to The Nutcracker Ballet. One evening this past year, they took a road trip after dark in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights. There was nothing more important in the world to Jessica than her son.

Jessica worked as a paralegal for Jackson County, Missouri. Jessica is survived by her son, Lawrence Fultz; father, Fred Manning; brother, Matthew Manning (Bethany Vroom). She is also survived by her paternal Grandmother, Alberta Manning. Her precious dogs, Molly and Bear will miss her. Jess is survived by many family members and friends. Jess was preceded in death by her mother, Kathy Manning, who sadly passed on March 5, 2026. 

Funeral Services will be held on June 13, 2026 at Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th Street South, Independence, MO 64055. Visitation at 10:00am with service starting at 11:00am.

In Lieu of flowers memorials in Jessica's name may be made to Boy Scouts of America