Born in Florida, Melvese Mann always possessed a love for God and a deep appreciation for the educational process. This love led her to pursue a lifelong career in teaching. Mother Mann is a 1960 graduate of Bethune Cookman College, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, and a minor in special education. She has 42 years of teaching experience with teaching certifications in Miami Dade County, the District of Columbia, and the state of Alabama. She also taught in Washington, DC’s Head Start Program. Former positions include service on the Vestavia Board of Education and a recruiter for the Alabama Education Association. She retired from teaching in 2005.
Mother Mann has led a spirit-filled life for the past 69 years, accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior at the age of 12. She has been a faithful member of the Church of God by Faith where she met her favorite pastor, teacher, and best friend, the late District Elder Willie L. Mann. They were blessed with two children, Eric and Requelle, and they enjoyed 32 years of marriage.
Mother Mann worked tirelessly beside her husband, assisting him in leading and shepherding thriving congregations throughout the state of Alabama. Her husband’s first pastorate began in 1974 in Auburn, Alabama. They continued their spiritual journey together, leading to the establishment of churches in Abernant, Docena, and Anniston, AL; and Columbus, Mississippi. Founders of the Soul Winners Conference, an event aimed at training and equipping believers how to win souls, Elder and Mother Mann further demonstrated their joint passion for education and training, as well as sharing Jesus with multitudes.
Currently, Mother Mann is a dedicated member of Tabernacle Church of God by Faith in Abernant, Alabama, where she serves on the Board of Finance. Mother Mann remains committed to fulfilling God’s purpose and plan for her life. Many reflect upon her as a living example of Psalm 92:13-15, “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to show that the Lord is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”