Meredith Jean Mann Dies at 100 Years Old

Meredith Jean Mann of Flora passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Delphi, marking the end of a century of life. Mann was 100 years old.

A century of civic and family ties

Born on April 19, 1926, in Frankfort to Ray and Rebecca Reef Gochenour, Mann’s life spanned the most transformative era of American history. She married Harold R. Mann in 1944, a union that lasted until his death in 2001. For the community in Flora, Mann represented a bridge to a previous century, maintaining deep roots through her membership in the Flora First Christian Church and her involvement with the Order of Eastern Star.

Her influence extended beyond her immediate hometown. Mann was a founder of the Delta Theta Chi Sorority and played a role in the Eldorado Village community in Largo, Florida.

A legacy across five generations

The scale of Mann’s family tree serves as a living record of her longevity. She is survived by three children: daughters Jacqueline Garrison and Deborah Jones, and son Rick Mann. The family lineage extends through seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, culminating in nine great-great-grandchildren.

Meredith Jean Mann Dies at 100 Years Old

Mann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her granddaughter Traci, great-grandchildren Taylor and Jeffrey, son-in-law Ted Garrison, and daughter-in-law Trina Mann.

Family suggests donations to hospitals and church

In lieu of traditional services, the family has directed that memorial contributions be made to organizations that reflect Mann’s values and the needs of the vulnerable. These include the Flora First Christian Church, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The Wheeler Family Funeral Home-Baker Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Mann family. Those wishing to offer condolences may do so through the funeral home’s online portal.