Katharine Clare Manning

“I made a side tour to Drew…to visit a former student of mine at Ole Miss who had been named runner-up to Miss America in Atlantic City, but she had been out in the swamp most of the night killing bullfrogs with a .22 pistol for a frog-fry..." – Willie Morris in My Mississippi

Katharine Clare Manning, 59, of Lamar, passed away Dec 23, 2021, after several weeks fighting Covid-19. The family is deeply saddened by her young life cut short. She is survived by her three children, Robert Edwin Loeb, Jr. (31) of Breckenridge, Anne Hensley Loeb (29) of Nashville, and Jackson Manning Loeb (27) of Memphis; her mother, Joan Manning of Drew; her brother, Richard Warren Manning of Drew; her sister-cousin, Crama Manning Koury of Madison; first cousin, Michael Manning of Madison; and many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Kathy was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi May 28,1962 to the late Reese Warren Manning III and Joan Hensley Manning. Kat graduated from North Sunflower Academy and received a BA in in Psychology from the University of Mississippi. For the many people who knew her, she was someone who loved to connect with people from many different walks of life – and really get to know them for who they are and what brought them joy.

She wore many hats in her short lifetime: USO touring for the military in Asia, Central America and the Caribbean. Katharine was a weatherwoman for ABC affiliate WHBQ 13, Memphis, she modeled for major brands like Coppertone and Maybelline and was a recording artist and singer for Christian celebrations from Sunday services to weddings and baptisms, and an active philanthropist for many charities, most dearly, Memphis Humane Society, Alzheimer’s Day Care Centers, Palmer Home for Children, Crisis Center, Orpheum Memphis

And in all of these and more, she left a mark on nearly everyone she met. During her high school, college and recent grad years, she was known as Mississippi’s Sweetheart. And after moving to Memphis, many people viewed her as the heart of the city. And our hearts ache in her loud absence, especially during this holiday season.

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 29 from 5 to 7p.m. at the Memphis Funeral Home at 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN. Masks will be required. A private burial will take place Thursday, December 30 at 3:33 p.m.

And her children make a special request to submit memories and photos of their mother to celebratingkat@gmail.com or https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/memphis-tn/katharine-loeb-10500675#remembering to celebrate her life and uncover some new memories too.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tunnel to Towers or CUDDLY can be made in her honor.