Amanda CeCelia Manning

AMANDA CECELIA MANNING, lovingly known as “Porsha,” of Baltimore, Maryland, danced her way into eternity on July 25, 2025, surrounded by the same fierce love she so freely gave. Born on December 26, 1957, in Baltimore, Amanda lived a life ablaze with laughter, movement, and purpose—a life that burned bright like fire: impossible to dim and unforgettable to all who felt her warmth. As the eldest child of Sandra McDonald and Clarence Davis, Amanda grew up with a profound sense of responsibility and resilience. Though Baltimore was her beginning—where she gave birth to her oldest daughter—Amanda’s journey also led her to Virginia, where she welcomed her two youngest daughters. From her early days modeling and dancing in local recreation center classes to becoming a beloved MaxMedia instructor, Amanda never stopped moving—and never stopped shining. Her career was as dynamic as she was, though her longest and most meaningful professional chapter was as a research coordinator at Johns Hopkins University. Still, Amanda would tell you that her proudest roles were Mother, Granny, and Mom-Mom. She poured boundless energy, wisdom, and support into her three daughters—Sheree Lightner, Keamba Manning, and Khaira Mitchiner—and she celebrated every milestone of her five grandchildren: Nizah Dillon (Pumpkin), Kyreese Dillon (Reesome), Chauncey Moody, Panther Adams (Panther Poo), and Dion Mitchiner Jr (DJ). Amanda believed in working hard and playing even harder. She loved deeply, laughed loudly, danced often, and traveled whenever she could. Her favorite color was red—bold, vibrant, and alive—just like her. She adored elephants and butterflies, found peace near water, and left every space brighter than she found it. With her lifelong love of music, family, and fun, Amanda was truly the life of every room she entered. She was a woman of immense strength, deep soul, and unapologetic self-expression. She taught her daughters that it’s okay to be different, to stand strong in who they are, and to set boundaries with grace. She nurtured not only dreams but identities, gifting her family with the rare and enduring comfort of unconditional acceptance. Amanda is survived by a loving constellation of family: her sisters, Sandy Williams (“Poochie”) and Schrae Baker (“Rae”); her stepmother, Barbara Lambert; her sisterin-laws, Shalaya Brown, Sharon Brown, and Prell McDonald; her brothers, Rodd Brown and Erskin “Ricky” Brown; and her brother-in-law, Edwin Baker. Her legacy lives on through her daughters, her sons-in-law, Aiken Wilson, Dion Mitchiner, and Akeem Myers; her grandchildren, and her many cherished nieces and nephews, Cierra Andrews, Yolanda Adger (Landie), Brianna Brown, Rodd Brown Jr., Tameika Brown, Davon Brunson, James Brunson (Mook), Tehron Brunson (Boobie), Bentaviya McDonald, Daron McDonald (DaDa), Gordon McDonald (Boo Boo), Erica White, Dartanion Wallace (Antwon), Jamar Whack, and Robert Young Jr. She also leaves behind her lifelong best friend, Alice Adger—whom she referred to as her sister—and her devoted partner, William “Diesel” Dowdy. Amanda now reunites with those who went before her: her parents, her sister, Christine “Candy” Davis, Benjamin “Bubbles” McDonald, Melvin Williams, her nephew, Gerard Faulkner; and her niece, Lateshia “Muff” Webb. Amanda didn’t just live—she lit up life. She would not want our tears, but our celebration. She would ask us to dance in her memory, wear red in her honor, swim in summer waters, and laugh as loudly and as freely as she always did. She would want us to live—boldly, joyfully, and with hearts full of fire. So, we don’t say goodbye, Amanda. We say thank you. Thank you for the music, the wisdom, the hugs, and the legacy. You are not gone—you are simply dancing in a different light now.

Tributes

Amanda CeCelia Manning

December 26, 1957 - July 25, 2025