The Maness Family reunion re-assembled on a Saturday in July 1976, organized by Cousin Janice Maness Fuller, at the homesite of Jesse & Mishie Maness. Families came from far and near to embrace and celebrate family. As the attendance grew, the reunion morphed from a one-day outdoor event to a bi-annual full weekend held within a major hotel.
To maintain the legacy of the organization, the reunion body elects officers (President, VP, Secretary, and Asst. Secretary) every two years. The treasure and assistant treasure’s positions are maintained yearly for consistency and financial practices. The officers are responsible for maintaining and organizing the organization’s initiatives throughout the year and conduct meetings in various southern and northern states where members reside. These meetings are open to families to obtain updates, participate in discussions, and offer suggestions for the coming year.
As the reunion has grown, the scope has expanded to include, fundraisers (auctions, raffles, birthday gifting, and sponsorship levels) to support our special initiatives, such as elderly & children (5 and under) celebratory reunion weekend event fees, food and clothing drives, educational enrichment and stipends, back to school supply drives, community awards, wellness and fitness, and religious celebratory offerings. All of these initiatives are celebrated during the bi-annual culminating reunion weekend event at elected designations by the organization.
This celebratory event is rich in the legacy and history of the organization and is held throughout various locations in NC. In 2018, the celebratory reunion event was held in Williamsburg, VA for the first time. In 2022 the reunion was held in Wilmington, NC, and in 2024, it will convene in Jekyll Island, GA for the first time.
The organization’s focus is all on enriching the lives of over 1,000 descendants of Dumas & Emeline Maness (8 generations and growing) and friends of all ages, bringing about togetherness, providing opportunities for enrichment, and wellness and fitness to better lives. In doing so, the organization coordinates and implements enrichment initiatives, supports the elderly and youth, and provides an atmosphere of love and belonging. To provide these opportunities, family members and friends, are requested to participate in the various fundraising events held throughout the year in various states and pay a registration fee to attend the culminating bi-annual reunion weekend event. The reunion weekend provides families the opportunity to meet and get to know their relatives, honor our elderly and recipients of academic excellence achievements, community enrichment awards, and celebrate births. It also offers opportunities to celebrate and share in the Maness heritage and culture, exchange family stories, honor the memories of relatives, and continue the family legacy.
Family and friends, are always welcome to join in continuing the Maness legacy of “Love. Faith. Togetherness”.