Former Miss Mississippi Kathy Manning dead after COVID-19 battle

Miss Mississippi 1984 winner Kathy Manning has died from the coronavirus. She was 59.

Manning, who also worked as a weather reporter, sunscreen model and recording artist, had been battling the illness for several weeks and succumbed to it on Dec. 23 in Collierville, Tennessee, according to her obituary.

It is unknown if she was vaccinated or not.

Manning was survived by her children — Robert Edwin Loeb, Anne Hensley Loeb and Jackson Manning Loeb.

The Ole Miss graduate was also the second runner up for Miss America and a Miss USA semifinalist.

She was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, May 28, 1962 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,” her obituary stated.

“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 obit continued.

Aside from being a beauty queen, Manning was a weather reporter for ABC affiliate WHBQ 13 and embarked on a USO tour for the military in Asia, Central America and the Caribbean.

To add to her many talents, she modeled for brands such as Coppertone and Maybelline during her lifetime and was a Christian music recording artist.

Manning sang in churches for Sunday services, weddings and baptisms.

After she completed her time in pageants, she became an active participant with charities including Memphis Humane Society, Alzheimer’s Day Care Centers, Palmer Home for Children, Crisis Center and Orpheum Memphis.