Patricia Lee Simpson Manatt, 90, of Corning, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 16. “Patsy” was born October 17, 1934, to Albert Jeffrey and Emily Neaville Simpson. The oldest of five siblings, Patsy was a proud graduate of North Little Rock High School, where she was active in many student organizations and excelled in academics. She went on to the University of Arkansas, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Patsy was an active part of UofA campus life, and it was there she reconnected with Frank Bently Manatt, a friend from grade school who became the love of her life, and her beloved husband of 62 years. Together, Patsy and F.B. made a home in Corning, where they raised three children, Frank Bently Manatt, Jr. (Courtney) of Brinkley; Christina Klien Manatt Wise (Roger) of Corning, and Nicholas Anthony Manatt (Kara) of Corning. Patsy was an active member of her community for many years and served as a 1960 delegate to the Democratic National Convention, nominating Sen. John F. Kennedy for President (an experience she was honored to have, and about which her children and grandchildren loved hearing). Patsy was the epitome of graciousness - her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit made everyone she encountered feel appreciated and at ease. If you were fortunate enough to be one of her children or grandchildren, she was your most devoted and tireless cheerleader, sitting front row at countless ballgames, performances, and graduations. Faith and family were the foundations of Patsy’s life. She counted her husband, children, and grandchildren as her greatest blessings, and she was steadfast in showering her family with words of love and encouragement. In addition to her children, Patsy is survived by one brother, Jeff Simpson of North Little Rock; sister-in-law Jerry Simpson of Searcy; brother-in-law John Ingram of North Little Rock; brother-in-law Scott Manatt (Sharon) of Pocahontas, very special cousin Jamie Christian of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Amanda Lee Manatt Story (Bentley) of Little Rock; Nikki Lee Wise Whiteside (Sam) of Gravette; Frank Bently Manatt III of Fayetteville; Christy Kaye Manatt of Corning, Kaytie Linn Manatt Ford (Jace) of Pocahontas; and great-grandchildren, Kabel Anthony Manatt, Vivienne Mae Whiteside, Virginia Lee Story, Samuel Cole Whiteside, Jr., Bentley Elliott Story, and Kaylinn Elisabeth Manatt. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, F.B.; her brother, Dr. James Albert Simpson, Sr. and her sisters Emily Ann Simpson Ingram and Nancy Sue Simpson Tillman. Patsy was a longtime, devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Corning. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Corning Cemetery.
