Jocelyn Mann

Jocelyn Smith Mann was born August 18, 1934 in Columbus, Ohio. She was the second daughter born to Dr. James K. Smith and Thelma G. Smith. Though we’ve found no eyewitnesses, Jocelyn claimed to be a pretty good sprinter when she was a girl growing up in Columbus. Regularly recalling that she would always, “beat all the boys on the block.”

Jocelyn and her older sister Joan (Joan G. Reppert) had a good upbringing in Columbus. Her father, a doctor, had an established practice – and the family was well respected throughout the community’s Black population. Jocelyn’s youth culminated with her graduation from West High School in 1952. And of course, Jocelyn chose to attend the crown jewel of her city, Ohio State University…wait what? No? That’s right, no! Not only did she buck the Buckeyes, she chose to attend the home of their arch-rivals in Ann Arbor Michigan. Yes, she became a University of Michigan Wolverine! It was that independent spirit that always set her apart.

While at Michigan, Jocelyn studied Biology, graduating with a B.S. degree in 1956. During her time at Michigan, Jocelyn also met her husband to be, Dr. James G. Mann. He wasn’t attending Michigan. Rather, he was getting his education at Tennessee State University. How did that happen you ask? Another story for another time, people. What did happen was they enjoyed 65 years of marriage – overcoming tears, trials and challenges to produce countless victories and triumphs. They did this with diligence, integrity and an unyielding love rarely seen on this earth. In the midst of the marriage Jocelyn was a mother to two children, Joan Katrina Mann (deceased) and James G. Mann II (Jamey). She was also a grandma to Michelyn Johnson (Gary), Vashawn Buckley, Jocelyn Buckley (Eugene), Terry Boykin II, Jaran Mann, Maria Mann and six great grandchildren.

Jocelyn held several titles during her lifetime – ranging from Histopathology Technician to Research Assistant, Girl Scout Leader (Mother) to Regional Director of the United Federation of Doll Clubs. She also got straight A’s as a Housewife and Homemaker according to very reliable sources. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters Applewood Questers as well.

To know Jocelyn was to know her passion for antique dolls. She wasn’t just an avid doll collector, she was THE doll collector – winning numerous awards around the U.S. for not just the dolls themselves, but for the costumes she spent hours upon hours researching and designing and sewing by hand. Simply exquisite. Her collection has left anyone who’s seen it awestruck. Jocelyn also enjoyed finding and collecting some of the rarest of Hallmark Christmas ornaments and Lladro figurines.

Jocelyn also liked to garden, read and as all of us in her family knows…shop! In fact, even though her initials were JSM, we all knew her real initials were QVC. She never met a shoe that didn’t need a home, or a dress that didn’t deserve a closet.

Jocelyn lived life, and loved living life. She traveled the world, shining her light wherever she went – treating strangers in foreign countries like long lost friends.

We miss you Jocelyn, Mom, Grandma…but we celebrate the life you lived. And we’ll carry the warmth of your kindness for as long as we live…

Memorial Services:

Horan & McConaty South Parker Rd. and Dartmouth Ave. Tuesday,  September 20th 2022. 12:30 – 4:30 p.m

Funeral Services:

Monday, 26th 11:00 a.m. Saint John’s Cathedral, 14th and Washington.

Donation Requests:

In lieu of flowers and gifts, please send donations in Jocelyn’s name to: American Red Cross or the Denver Alumni Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation