Patricia Rose Manning

Patricia Rose Manning, loved and respected by many, died on Sunday, September 8, 2024. 

Patty has been described as fiercely kind, a rapt storyteller, hilarious, patient, magical, a wonderful cook, an actress, an artist, a teacher, passionate, amazing, a mentor, a friend, talented, special, an amazing listener, fair-minded, empathetic, intelligent, brave, and one of the “Moms”. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten. 

Patty “F” Manning was born in Dallas, Texas on February 9, 1952. Patty grew up in the idyllic Texas countryside around Richardson and Austin, and outside of Stamford, Connecticut. Patty (wearing her Davy Crockett coonskin cap) spent many hours playing in the woods and creeks with her siblings and cousins. She was always curious about critters and plants she encountered. Patty also spent time in Norway and Europe, with family and friends in the mid-1970’s. A multi-faceted individual, she received a BFA from Baylor University in 1975 and an MFA from North Texas State in 1982. Much of her art was inspired by her love, fascination and very particular attention to the natural world. 

In the 1980’s Patty began her lawn business (Yardwork/Artwork) in Dallas. She was part of an active, diverse, and loving group of friends who played softball, danced, worked, made art, took road trips to the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, were active citizens who marched in Gay Pride parades, and were active in the Lesbian community. She entertained all her friends with funny and sweet stories of the (mostly) elderly folks she did yardwork for. 

In the early 1990’s, Patty’s evolution continued. She moved to Far West Texas and began studying biology in graduate school at Sul Ross State University. Her focus, under the mentorship of the remarkable biology professors at SRSU, became the unique natural history and botany of the Chihuahuan Desert. Her fascination with botany grew and upon graduating with her MS in Biology in 1996, she began her 18-year career with SRSU overseeing the greenhouses, experimental growing plots and vineyard. 

 During this time Patty began her love affair with native plant propagation. Growing plants for environmental rehabilitation and enhancement became her art. This continued upon retirement from SRSU, when she and partner Cyndi Wimberly started a native plant nursery Twin Sisters Natives. Patty spent many happy hours in the greenhouse at Twin Sisters, planting seeds that she collected or that had been given to her by many of her widespread botany friends and acquaintances. Many plants that Patty grew are underrepresented in the nursery trade. Her plants were often highly sought after. Many of her plants currently reside with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the San Antonio Botanical Garden. 

After retirement, she also embarked on further adventures as a field botanist. Working throughout much of the desert southwest, Patty met many interesting individuals who became dear friends. She loved the work, the landscape, the plants, the experiences and above all the memories she made with so many smart and funny folks. 

Patty was a forever student. She had an insatiable appetite for learning more about plants and how to grow them. She had such a breadth of knowledge that one friend said, “This is a massive loss”. Indeed, it is. We love you, Patty!

Patty was predeceased by her parents, William Francis Manning III, Lillie Frances Drain Manning, and her older brother Michael Lee Manning.

Patty is survived by her partner/spouse of 30 years, Cyndi Wimberly, their son Marley Kim Boyd, Jr., wife Tiffany Flores-Boyd, granddaughters Alex Kate Flores and Addison Flores-Boyd; daughter, Mary Shannon Boyd Mois; son Jonathan Matthew Boyd and wife Dana Falconberry; Patty’s brother Robert Manning and husband Jason Hodges; sister-in-law Lynn Etta Manning and her children, Jeffrey Manning and Molly Rutty; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Patty’s family would like to thank Carol Sterns, Dr. Edith Simmons, Dr. Roane McLaughlin, Dr. Robert Tyler Hillman and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Oncology Odessa, Big Bend Regional Medical Center’s Radiology and Lab departments, Angel’s Care Hospice, Prescription Shop Alpine, Big Bend Saddlery, and Alpine Memorial Funeral Home for their attentive, compassionate care. We also want to thank all our wonderful friends and family who helped and supported Patty during her illness.

There will be a Celebration of Patty “F” Manning’s Fabulous Life potluck at the Ritchey Hotel in Alpine on October 19 from 4-6.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Patty Manning’s name are welcome to: Alpine Public Library, Big Bend Family Crisis Center, Sunshine House in Alpine, and ACLU Texas.