Thursday, February 23, 2012

Good-bye to Izzy




Izabella "Izzy" Blaine McManaway

2007 ~ 2012


Isaiah 11:6  

She led many to Christ!


She is the child that made people say, “Keep Smilin’” because of her beautiful spirit and unwavering determination to live life to the fullest.  She touched and inspired thousands, as evidenced by the stacks of mail she received every day for weeks over the 2011 Christmas holiday and the continuous stream of well-wishers and visitors.  Izabella “Izzy” Blaine McManaway, of Fayetteville, WV, would have turned 5 years old on March 12, 2012.  She     passed on to the Kingdom of Heaven on February 22, 2012 after a lengthy battle with rhabdomyosarcoma.

She would not wish you sadness, but rather to celebrate her brief, yet fulfilled life.  Remember her words, just a day after surgery to amputate her left leg: “If I cry and don’t smile, then the devil will be happy.  So I’m gonna smile.”  Izzy would want you to remember her smile and laughter and how beautiful she looked in her cheerleading uniform as she cheered for the Pirates at Fayetteville and the Patriots at Mt. View Christian School.  She would want you to know how it pleased her to paint the toenails on her artificial foot and how she learned to ride her bicycle with her new leg; how she never gave up the enjoyment of life just because of cancer.

Izzy leaves behind a strong and faithful family: her loving parents, Corey & Jenny McManaway and her two beloved older sisters, Zavery and Zoe McManaway;  Great-grandparents, Nancy Barnett of Middlesboro, KY and Hazel Hannigan of Oak Hill, WV. Grandparents, Terry & Connie McManaway of Oak Hill, WV and Dale & Linda Clonch of Fayetteville, WV, as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles who adore her.  Izzy says good-bye to two special friends, Kerrisyn Feazell and Trace Crumb, and the loving church family at Fayetteville Baptist.  She also leaves behind 3 faithful pets, two dogs and a kitten who rarely left her side:  Charlie the Faithful Protector, Trixie the Clown and Smokey the Curious.  Perhaps she will greet another favorite in heaven, her Aunt Amy’s horse, Jack, whom she loved to visit at the farm.  

Izzy would like for you to know of the things she loved most in this life, aside from her parents and sisters.  Things like 4-wheelin’ with her cousin, Ben, jumping on the trampoline with numerous friends, playing with her baby doll, Elizabeth Sally, listening to Justin Bieber’s music, swimming at her grandparent’s pool and having popsicles in the warm sunshine afterwards.   She loved shopping, especially for purses and carried all the essentials in them. You know, like full sized liquid hand soap, lotions with sparkle, hand sanitizer in various scents, lip balms of every color and crayons.  She was always ready to go to Crossroads Mall to get a cookie from the Great American Cookie Co. or to Wal Mart to greet most of Fayetteville. 

Izzy endeared many people to her through her gorgeous smile, her faithfulness to God, and her zest for life.  Although very young, she was a spiritual giant and prayed often and at length for other friends and family right up until the end.  Through her struggle, many souls have come to know Christ, as this was her purpose on earth. (Is 11:6) Her time with us may have ended but her life is not over because Christ has defeated death and love is eternal.  She completed her earthly purpose in just under five short years.  May we all take heed of St. Matthew 18:3 that implores us to become like little children in our faith and relationship with Christ so that we shall see the Kingdom of God, for that is where this beautiful child now resides.

Special services to celebrate her life will be held at Grace Baptist Church in Fayetteville, WV beginning at 11:00 am, ceremony begins at 1:00 pm. on Monday, February 27, 2012.  Private graveside services will be held at a later time.  To help celebrate her beautiful life, think about wearing her favorite colors, pink and purple, to the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Timmy’s Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps families with children at WVU Children's Hospital.  Timmy's Fund has been very instrumental in supporting the McManaway Family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as well;  thank you Joe & Tara Quigley:  www.timmysfund.org 

Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home is handling all arrangements and online condolences may be left here or at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com 
A special thank you to Dr. Paul and the wonderful team of physicians and nurses at WVU Children’s Hospital who demonstrated skill and professionalism and even more importantly, generosity, patience, understanding and genuine love.  This team of healthcare providers went above and beyond the call and they are most appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Izzy and expressed your concern in numerous ways; by your prayers God continues to sustain Izzy’s family with grace and peace that passes all understanding.  

27 comments:

elizabeth said...

Memory Eternal! May God remember her in His Kingdom!!!

I am so sorry for your loss. Lighting many candles now and I have a pink tea light candle that I think Izzy would of loved and I will light that one to the Mother of God.

In prayer,

Elizabeth

Sharon Bibb said...

What a beautiful legacy she leaves behind. She lives on through the lives that were changed because of her testimony. May the memories of this precious child keep a smile on our face and a song in our hearts. A song of thankfulness and praise for the sustaining power of our Lord. Love and prayers to the family.

Sharon Bibb

grandma to 5 said...

May God give you and your family peace and strength. Izzy certainly left an awesome testimony for all of us to hang in there and keep smilin.
Many prayers for each of you.Thank you for sharing Izzy with everyone.

Brandi Davis said...

Izzy was many wonderful things to many people...but she was first and foremost a child of God and not afraid to say so! If more people were like her this world would be a better place! So today I am rejoicing in the Lord and in His healing Izzy. She is healed and whole for eternity! We will carry her love, smile, and faith in our hearts forever! <3 Love and Prayers to her family! <3 We love you all very much! <3
Matt, Brandi, Matthew, and Seth Davis

Holly said...

Praying for Izzy's family during this tough time, but celebrating Izzy's homecoming to Jesus! Izzy pulled together a community and was truly inspirational.

DebD said...

Wow, I thought she was doing better. This is such a surprise.

May her memory be eternal!

Lori said...

So sorry to hear about Izzy. Your family's strength and faith are remarkable. I know Izzy left this world feeling loved. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lori and Jason Hogan

Dianna Thompson said...

God's comforting arms are filled with the spirit of this beautiful child. She touched many and saved even more. Her spirit soars free of pain and suffering and I can almost hear her giggles here. Her life was short but full of many amazing people and things. I offer you hugs and prayers for the coming days and I thank you all for sharing her amazing story. I found this poem that I think says it all and I hope it offers you comfort at this time:

I’ m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.

Lisa J said...

This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful little lady with a beautiful spirit. She fought the good fight and is with Jesus now. God bless, guide, and comfort all of Izzy's family and loved ones.

Lisa Johnston & Family said...

Lots of Love, Thoughts, & Prayers your way Izzy & Family <3 We will remember your bravery & sweetness forever sweet little girl! <3 From our family to yours:)XOXO

Jillian said...

Izzy has made such a big impact on this small town, I personally as well as my family will always remember her and be inspired by her courage and faith. All our love and prayers to Corey, Jenny and the girls from the Lynch/Penn household.

Omar said...

My prayers and thoughts are with you all.. all the best.

Lisa Clonch said...

Such an amazing little girl. Izzy has reflected the love of Christ throughout her precious life. She has shown such strength, courage and peace ... bringing so many to know the our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She's watching us now from the lap of Jesus ... we love you Izzy. You will be in our hearts forever.

lori jo withrow said...

Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful and strong little girl. It is obvious that she brought a ton of love and smiles into the world and will not be forgotten. Sending my love,

Lori

Kelly said...

Izzy touched so many lives. She has no doubt left an impression on this old Earth. May you find comfort knowing that she is completely healed.

Robert and Betty Marine said...

we are very sorry to hear of Izzy's passing..
God will comfort you and guide you till you see her in heaven in our savour's loving harms.

The Marines
Robert and Betty

Anonymous said...

to the family of dear precious Izzy.....my sentiments are all wrapped up into this song...GOD BLESS Your Family and hang on to the blessed hope of seeing Izzy again!!!

Brad Paisley - When I Get Where I'm Going

www.youtube.com

Beth said...

I didn't know the child but had heard lots about her. She was on the prayer list at my church. My sons and I said prayers for her. I hate that when we go to church Sunday her name will be left out. Her family will remain in our prayers. God gave this family a blessing and she will continue to be a blessing to them. The McManaway family has truly made a wonderful witness for the Lord. May you continue down the path that has been chosen for you.
Prayers and love, The Queen Family, Wayne, Beth, Kellen, Owayne and Chloe

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your life..I don't know your family but I know GOD loves his new angel and she is watching over all of you..Thoughts and prayers for yaw..

Hugssss
April

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your Loss was what that was supose to say

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. She was a BEAUTIFUL girl and so precious.

amy said...

Thank you all so much for sharing your warmth in words here... they are all a blessing to all of us!!

Elizabeth ~ I LOVE the idea of a pink tea light candle! How precious : )

Brianna Miracle said...

My aunt wrote this poem for me when I lost my son. I hope it gives this family, this mother, some comforting words. You all are in my prayers.<3

Angel's Call

One day God called my house
here I would live and sleep and pray,
But I was not the one who answered
On that fateful day

The Lord was looking for my baby
He told her she could not stay
But God promised she could watch over her mommy
As an angel, she would never go away

Though our arms are empty
And our hears are crying out why?
Whenever we miss our baby
We simply look to the sky

She is a part of the wind over the hills
Her laugh comes through the song of the wind chime
She is God's perfect being
And he needed her beautiful light this time

Its okay to miss our baby
Its okay for us to cry
But remember in the hard times
She's an angel watching in the sky

One day we will get our own call
One day we will answer it too
On that day our baby girl will greet us
She will show us what to do

For she knows how much we miss her
She knows how much we pray
That's why she was chosen
To help guide us on our way.

<3<3<3

margaret said...

Like Deb I thought she was doing well. I don't know what to say. I want to say something bright and confident but I don't feel bright. I guess I don't like the idea of there being yet another less Izzy in the world.

On the other hand, perhaps she'll pray for me now :)

amy said...

My apologies, friends, for not sharing an update earlier. We had such a gift at Christmastime, and then only a few weeks later Izzy took a bad turn. Because I knew of the attention my sister's family would receive if I posted this, we all decided it would be best not to say anything. The family really needed their privacy in these last few weeks. I hope you understand.

love & prayers to all of you!

Anonymous said...

What a precious little one. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

marylea said...

I happened to return to your beautiful blog this evening and saw the post about Izzy. As others have already said, it is a beautiful tribute. My condolences to your entire family. My prayers for you tonight and every night when the darkness seems too much. May His wisdom bring you peace and light.

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