Our family wanted to let everyone know that Shelvy Manning born as Shelvy Jean Gaskins on November 10, 1938 passed away yesterday at her home in Hampton, VA.

She was the daughter of Lucille Ward Gaskins and George L. Gaskins, Sr and the sister of George L. Gaskins, Jr (deceased), Donald Gaskins, Ted Gaskins and Roger Gaskins.

Shelvy was a 1957 graduate of Grainger High School in Kinston, NC and pursued her passion of baton twirling. Shelvy met and married her spouse Ed Manning in 1957. After moving to Hampton she began coaching baton twirling at her own studio. Her love of the sport was infectious, inspiring many young ladies. Her coaching led to many students obtaining scholarships, winning national championships and a lifetime relationship with Shelvy as a mentor.

These accomplishments included students as featured twirlers at Clemson, University of North Carolina, East Carolina University, Virginia Tech, Louisville and many others. She also held twirling camps at Laurinburg College and Notre Dame University for many years.

In the 1990s, Shelvy was inducted into the National Baton Twirlers Association Hall of Fame for her many years of teaching and judging. She judged many international band competitions that took her to St. Thomas, USVI yearly.

For over 60 years, Shelvy was a devoted Jehovah’s Witness as a member of the Hampton, VA congregation and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Contributions in honor of her memory can be made at www.jw.org