Dora Diane Manley

DORA DIANE VILLAREAL MANLEY
Age 80, of Cherry Hill, NJ, formerly of Waco, TX, passed away on July 15, 2026.

Dora was born on September 21, 1945 to Bruno and Aurora Villareal in Chilton, Texas. During this time period, she was raised in a loving family consisting of 6 sisters and 1 brother. Her sisters and brother included Rosie (Art) Rodriguez, Genny Mull, Connie Villareal, Bobby (Sheila) Villareal, Stella (Dorso) Maciel and the late Lilly (the late Ken) Kepler. Many memories were told as beautiful stories of a loving family growing up together in a close-knit community.

The biggest milestones of her early adult life were graduating with an accounting degree and having her sons, Eric W. and Mac. Her next major milestones included the birth of her grandsons Elric, Eric S., and Samuel. With her degree in one hand and her family in the other, she was able to kick start the long loving life as a mother that she honored every single day.

In the year 2000, Dora packed up her life and moved from her home state of Texas to her new home in New Jersey. Several years later, her second set of grandchildren, Austin and Alexis, were born.

In New Jersey, Dora thrived in her career at Lutheran Care at Moorestown and Lions Gate CCRC. At work, she gracefully extended the same kindness and patience to the residents in her facility that she had for her loving family and friends. Dora perfectly balanced being a mother to her children, a grandmother to her grandchildren, and a successful businesswoman at her workplace.

Dora's love as a mother was an unrelenting force that helped shape all of her children into the successful adults they are. Her big heart had enough love for everyone which included the many friends she made along the way. No matter who you were, she was always happy and ready to have a conversation. While she left Texas, the southern comfort of Texas never left her which made her a beacon of light for everyone she interacted with.

Dora passed away peacefully in her home on July 15, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Her memory will never be forgotten and the lessons she taught will continue to coach her loved ones through the highs and lows.

Dora Diane Villareal Manley is survived by her children, Mac and Eric; her grandchildren, Elric, Eric S, Samuel, Alexis, and Austin; her siblings Rosie (Art) Rodriguez, Sally Langham, Stella (Dorso) Maciel, Genny Mull, Connie Villareal, and Bobby (Sheila) Villareal.

Relatives and friends are invited Thursday, July 23, 2026 beginning 2:15 PM to PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS, Inc. 2001 Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ where memorial services will begin promptly at 3:00 PM. The memorial services will also be live streamed on Dora’s memorial page at www.plattmemorial.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or the Voorhees Animal Orphanage, www.aonj.org