Former Miss America runner up & Miss Mississippi Kathy Manning dead at 59 after Covid battle
KATHY Manning, the winner of Miss Mississippi 1984, has died after battling coronavirus.
The 59-year-old model, who was a former runner-up in Miss America, passed away on December 23 in Collierville, Tennessee, according to an online obituary.
It’s not known if she had been vaccinated against Covid.
Manning is best known for winning the beauty pageant Miss Mississippi in 1984.
She also worked as a weather reporter for WHBQ 13, sunscreen model, and recording artist.
Manning was the second runner-up for Miss America and a Miss USA semifinalist.
Her obit said: “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 left a mark on nearly everyone she met. During her high school, college and recent grad years, she was known as Mississippi’s Sweetheart.
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“And after moving to Memphis, many people viewed her as the heart of the city.”
Tributes have poured in as news of Manning’s death emerged.
WCCO-TV reporter Esme Murphy penned: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kathy Manning of Drew MS from Covid.
“A former Miss Mississippi, we worked together at WHBQ-TV in Memphis where she was a weather anchor. She was so kind & funny, beautiful inside & out. Condolences to her family & loved ones.”
The model is survived by her mother, brother, and three children.
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