Mrs. McManus was born Sept. 8, 1923, in Waterproof, the oldest daughter of Charles and Christine Testa. After graduating from Waterproof High School, Lydia attended business school and began working for Frank Massony in Winnsboro, La., as a bookkeeper for his cotton warehouse. Upon returning to Waterproof, she began a lengthy career as head teller at the Waterproof branch of Bank of St. Joseph and Trust Company (now Cross Keys Bank.) In 1964, she married Willie James “Mac” McManus and left the bank to co-manage the Western Auto Store with Mac. Lydia was a lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church as well as a member of the St. Francis Alter Society. She was the first woman to hold office on the Waterproof Town Council and was selected to Who’s Who in American Women. In addition, Lydia was a long-term member and past president of the board of directors of Tensas Academy. She also played a significant role in organizing Waterproof’s centennial celebration. Lydia was an avid gardener and proud member of the Waterproof Garden Club. After retiring in the mid-1990s, she enjoyed visiting with family and friends, growing her roses and attending mass at St. Francis. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and one sister, Christine Elkins.