Patricia was born on August 17, 1933 in Greenville SC. She was the eldest daughter of Lois Beigh Scott Ebener and William Frederick Ebener. Patricia had a zest for life, including a love for relationships, fashion, exploration, learning new skills and impacting those around her.
Patricia grew up in Greenville SC and graduated from Greenville High School in 1951. At Greenville High, Patricia received the superlative of Best Dressed, honoring her lifelong love of fashion and style that continued into her final days.
Patricia married Bill Ingram in 1951 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenville SC. Patricia and Bill made their life in Charlotte, NC and had three daughters, Joni (Berry), Jeri (Kleckley) and Juli (Langford). Patricia was a woman before her time, working full time while also raising her girls to be fearless. She made her home the place to be for the girls and their friends, and was the role model of a mom.
Patricia spent her professional career in communications for Belk Store Services. In her role at Belk, she ushered Belk communications from utilizing a switchboard mode of communication into the computer age. As always Patricia looked to better life for herself and those around her.
Following Bill’s death, Patricia continued to live life to the fullest. Patricia learned to teach aerobics at the age of 50. She ushered at the Charlotte arena, seeing many performers in concert, often making her grandchildren jealous. Patricia traveled the world, riding a camel in Egypt, visiting Niagara Falls, rafting down the Colorado River and much more! She wore out the pavement on I - 85 between Raleigh and Greenville to help raise her grandchildren. Through ALANON Patricia formed a special friendship with Ceil Hancock, with whom she enjoyed exploring life. Together, they shared meals, travel, social events and an understanding of similar life experiences.
Patricia loved to experience life with her family. She was never one to shy away from a challenge. She valued mental and physical health and practiced what she preached. She instilled in her loved ones the importance of enjoying the little and big things in life, from the perfect outfit for the next event to a butter biscuit from McDonald’s, Patricia was always there with her giving heart and flirtatious zest for life!
Love never wavered in Patricia’s life. Patricia reconnected with her high school sweetheart Clayton McManaway upon his diagnosis with cancer in 2003. Patricia and Clayton married on her birthday, August 17th, 2006 at the Bell Tower at Furman University. Patricia and Clayton enjoyed building a life together.They shared dinner and a glass of wine on their patio, attended get-togethers with Greenville High friends, traveled and visited Clayton’s friends from his days working at the State Department, but most of all they enjoyed a captivating love that kept them both young at heart. Clayton passed away in 2010 after a hard fought battle against cancer.
Following Clayton’s passing, Patricia continued to learn, love and experience life. She pressed the button that led to the implosion of Scott Towers. She danced the night away celebrating the marriages of her grandchildren. Patricia enjoyed attending fundraisers and events, with a special love for Fashion With a Passion benefiting Safe Harbor. Patricia’s love for fashion and shopping never ended, and she was always dressed perfectly, hair, nails and attire! She continued to spend time with friends, including her special friend Buddy Smith; another long time and close friend from her days at Greenville High School.
In 2017, Patricia received the devastating diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. While over time the disease took her quality of life, Patricia was strong and resilient, facing every obstacle with her stubborn nature.
Patricia’s family lovingly called her the ‘Queen’. And as appropriate, she received the best of care. Patricia’s family is extraordinarily grateful for the loving team of caregivers who cared for her. They know that her disease-ridden years were made better by their love and care.
The family is especially grateful to Aundraya Hubbard, Rubella (Rubi) Morga Dorantes, Daphne Coleman, Yolanda Sullivan, Lunita Brock, Markia Wright, Carolyn Johnson, and Conswella Reynolds, for their loving care and devotion to Patricia. Each of these ladies shared a special bond with Patricia, treating her as if she was their mother, and ensuring she always received the utmost loving care.
The family also extends a special thanks and appreciation to Maple Brook Terrace, Patricia’s home since August 17th, 2020. The staff and management at Maple Brook Terrace was extraordinarily good to Patricia, understanding and responding to her constant changing needs. Specifically Pam Van Dyke, Carol Babbitt , Angie Liner, Ariel Santoro, Mark Vernon and Erica Woodward, all showed a deep love and devotion to Patricia. The family is eternally grateful.
As a lifelong Lutheran, Patricia was enveloped in love by Pastor Elise Stringer and the congregation of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Greer SC. Visits by Pastor Elise and others included gifts, fun photo sessions, cards, communion and prayers. The Pastor and the congregation showed Patricia much love.
The family also thanks the team from Wren Hospice and the staff of Hands Thru Us Homecare, Deana Dillard and Lisa Parsons. The family extends special appreciation to Keely Toppe for her loving care of Patricia, as her massage therapist.
In addition to her husbands and parents, Patricia was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth Ebener Wood and her loving niece Scottie Wood Gallagher. Patricia is survived by daughters Joni Berry, Jeri Kleckley and Juli Langford. In addition, she is survived by her extra loving son -in- loves, Sam Kleckley and Gary Langford. Patricia is survived by grandchildren, Erin Spalinski (David, Raleigh NC), Jeni Cain (Chris, Greenville SC), Rachel Berry (Ben Young, Charlottesville VA), Sam E. Kleckley (Katie, Greenville SC), and James Berry (Alta, Brooklyn NY). Patricia has three great grandchildren, Noah (5), Thomas (5) and Hannah (2).
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at 11:00 am, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Greer SC. A reception will be held following the worship service at the Poinsett Club, Greenville SC. A private burial will be at Springwood Cemetery, where Patricia will be laid to rest beside her loving husband, Clayton McManaway.
Memorials to honor Patricia’s memory can be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 300 Oneal Road, Greer SC 29651, to the Neighborhood Cancer Connection, 113 Mills Avenue, Greenville SC 29605 or to Meyer Center for Special Children, 1132 Rutherford Road, Greenville SC 29609.
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