On Jan. 17, 2018, Bishop Bernard M. Mann became one with Christ as the Lord lifted him to his eternal reward.

Bishop Mann was the oldest son of Mr. Alvin Wright and the late Beulah L. Mann. He was born April 20, 1957. In 2007, Bishop Mann founded In God We Trust Ministries, and he served as the senior pastor. His journey of Christian service elevated him to the office of bishop on May 18, 2013. He held a position of supervisor at Smithfield Packing Company for nearly 30 years while serving God and the Kingdom with his whole heart.

Bishop Mann was predeceased by his mother, Beulah L. Mann, and his daughter, Monique Mann. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 39 years, Elder Sandra P. Mann, and his father, Elvin Wright Sr., of Suffolk. Four daughters will recall his memory — Laketta Knight, of Lawrenceville, Ga., LaVoya Knight, of Delran, N.J., Tabitha Franklin (Calvin) and Moniqua Mann all of Suffolk. He also leaves three sons, Nutore Mann (Bernice), of Virginia Beach, Bartolbus Mann, of Richmond, and LaTabus Mann, of Suffolk.

He has four brothers: Elvin Wright Jr., of Portsmouth, Kenneth Mann, Carlton Mann and Darryl Mann, all of Suffolk; and four sisters: Angelina Ruby Hill, of Suffolk, Sandria Ruth Wright, of Ohio, Dora Lynn Wright, of Boston, Mass., and Tenita W. Rodgers (Donnell), of Portsmouth. Bishop Mann also leaves 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and two special friends, Elder Bernell Sherrod and Overseer Joyce Myrick Wooden.

Bishop Mann will lie in state from 5 to 7 p.m.  Jan. 26 at In God We Trust Ministries, 905 Freeney Ave. The home going service will be held at noon Jan. 27 at New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries, 307 County St.