Barbara McManus

Barbara Ann Moss McManus, a beloved mother, grandmother, and an esteemed member of Lake Charles, LA community, passed away peacefully at 8:05 PM on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 85 surrounded by family. Barbara is a native of Grant Parish and graduated from Dry Prong High, where she was a Pelican Girls State representative. She graduated from McNeese State University in 1962 and was a career employee of 35 years with the state of Louisiana, last serving as the regional administrator with the Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support, until her retirement in 1998. She received the 1990 Charles E. Dunbar Award bestowed by the Louisiana Civil Service League in recognition of loyal and unselfish service above and beyond the call of duty. Barbara began her journey with The Louisiana State Employees Retirement System in January of 1976, when she was elected as an Active Member Trustee, a role she honorably fulfilled until January 2000. She was re-elected as a Retired Member Trustee from 2004 to 2015. Barbara rejoined the Board in 2018 and remained a dedicated member until 2025. She was a trustee of the Eagle Federal Credit Union and a volunteer district coordinator for the AARP Defensive Driving Program. She served on the Lake Charles Port Board and was a board member for Boys Village Foundation as well. Barbara was an avid duplicate bridge player with Lake Charles Bridge Club and became a life master in 2000. She enjoyed playing bridge, mahjong, traveling and spending time with family. Her greatest joy was her two granddaughters whom she loved dearly.

Barbara survived by her loving family, son Brent McManus and his wife Kim, granddaughters Mckenzie McManus and Madison McManus, as well as her cherished nieces and nephews.

She is preceeded in death by her husband Mayner (Mac) McManus, daughter Sondra McManus, mother Ruby Moss, father Andrew Moss, brother Jewel Moss III, sisters Stella Voorhies and baby Dorothy Marie Moss.

She will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family and friends. Barbara's life was a testament of the power of hard work, kindness, and community.

Barbara will be laid to rest at a private service surrounded by her loving family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Boys Village Foundation a cause dear to Barbara's heart. Rest in peace, Barbara, you will be dearly missed and forever remembered.