Jo Anne Barker Maniago

Jo Anne (Barker) Maniago was born in Knoxville Tennessee on December 13, 1930. She was a world traveler and never said no to an adventure.  On August 24, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends, she departed on her final adventure when the angels lead her into paradise.

Jo Anne had a brilliant mind and was always eager to learn more. She graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in political science and received a MA Degree in Church History from Scarritt College in 1956.  She earned her MA degree in US History in 1964 before earning her PhD in History from Boston University in 1970. To anyone who met her, Jo Anne was unassuming and modest, and they never knew that she was really "Dr. Maniago".

In 1956, she accepted an opportunity to teach history in Manila, Philippines. She taught there for four years and cherished her time in the Philippines and all the lifelong friends she made. During this time, she met and married her husband Marcello Maniago in 1960.  After moving back to the United States, she taught in Illinois and Massachusetts before coming to New York.  In 1971 she accepted a position as Assistant Professor of History at Broome Community College before becoming Professor of History in 1981. She had no children of her own, but was the favorite Professor, mentor, and mother figure to literally thousands of students and young adults.    She retired from Broome Community College in 1994. After retirement she did not stop and relax but took nursing classes  and passed the LPN exam in 1996. Joanne taught many continuing education classes at the Lyceum of Binghamton University for many years.

Jo Anne was a world traveler, having the opportunity to visit Europe, Africa, North and South America, Southeast Asia and China. Her favorite destination was Kenya.  She had a passion for history and religiously followed current events, enjoyed music, loved to care for animals and of course having a good cup of coffee.

Jo Anne volunteered with many community organizations and church groups throughout the years and gained many lifelong friends along the way who became a loved and cherished part of her extended family.

Jo Anne was predeceased by her parents Robert Monroe Barker and Ida Lou (Snow) Barker,  her husband Marcello (Eloy) Maniago, one sister Geraldine (Jerri) Ellison, one Brother Robert Barker Jr., and two half-sisters; nephew, Mike Simmons, and niece, Sharon Connor.

She is survived by one niece Pat (Wayne) Coffey of Tennessee, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews, plus countless friends and students.

A celebration of Jo Anne's life will take place on Saturday, October 12th, from 1-4; sharing of memories will begin at 2pm. Trinity Memorial Church, 44 Main St, Binghamton, in the back dining room (118 Oak St, Binghamton) She will be interred in the columbarium in Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church in a private family gathering. Memorial contributions in Jo Anne's memory may be made to  Danielle House, 160 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905 or Mercy House of the Southern Tier,212 N. McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760.  To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com. Arrangements for the family are directed by the DeMunn Funeral Home and Cremation Service.