August 4, 1947 – December 18, 2025
Ilene Manuel, 78, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at home surrounded by family. She was born on Aug. 4, 1947, in Cleveland, Texas, to the late George Thomas and Mildred Cloteel Witherspoon. Ilene graduated from Anahuac High School in 1965. She was a loyal Anahaconian until she moved to the DFW area to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, sister, Sue Wallace and husband E.J.
Ilene began working for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Anahuac in 1970, where she was a Secretary. She loved her job and the people she worked alongside. She retired from there in 1995 with 25 years of service. She did not love retirement as much as she thought she would, so she began working for Anahuac ISD as the Superintendent’s Secretary in 1996.
Ilene was the most wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to everyone. She was married to her loving husband, E.J. for 50 years. She was lovingly nicknamed the “candy queen” as her fudge was treasured by all. She loved to give sweet treats to everyone she knew.
Ilene is survived by her brother, Tom Witherspoon and wife Betty of Gladewater; daughter Erica Cates and husband Chris of Arlington; grandchildren, Kenli Henicke, Carston Henicke, Keaton Henicke, and Cambria Cates; great-granddaughter, Lottie Drew Henicke; nieces and nephews, their families, and a host of other friends that are like family.
Honoring the family by serving as Pallbearers will be Erik Salles, David Regan, Matt Matthews, Brent Taylor, Cade Ferguson, and Keaton Henicke.
Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in the chapel of Sterling Funeral Home, 1201 S. Main Street, in Anahuac. Bobby Hall will officiate. A graveside service will immediately follow at Anahuac Cemetery.
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