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QUINCY, ILL. -- It was a bittersweet night for one Quincy couple.

Wednesday night, John Wood Community College's Board of Trustees voted to posthumously award an LPN certificate to the parents of a student who would've graduated this Monday.

KHQA's Rajah Maples spoke with them about their daughter, her dream and what Wednesday night means for them.

41-year-old Leslie Manley died suddenly of pneumonia and cardiac arrest this past June.

Joann Ellis said, "She was our baby daughter, and she was always caring and nurturing. She would've made a wonderful nurse."

Vernon Ellis said, "She never said anything bad about people. She loved animals."

What do you think she'd be saying tonight?

Joann Ellis answered, "She would be saying I worked hard for it. She did. I know she's happy about it."

Joann and Vernon Ellis said their daughter is helping others even through her death.

Joann Ellis said, "Leslie was an organ donor. Her tissue, her bone and her skin will go on to help other people."

The Ellis' told KHQA they were very surprised and happy about the news that John Wood would consider awarding their daughter a degree posthumously.

But they say they're extremely happy about the decision.

Some of our Facebook fans showed their support for Leslie Manley Wednesday, too.

Nic Carter posted on our wall, "They should [give the posthumous degree] if the student was close to graduating. As a JWCC alumnist my vote is YES!"

Nancy Hayden Long posted, "Just saw the story, what a beautiful girl and the awesome parents that donated her remains that were viable. The degree is a plus!!"

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