Newport man that helped promote Pearls Unique Anthony Patterson I, of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, October 2, 2020, at the age of 76
Mr. E. Anthony Patterson I, of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, October 2, 2020, at the age of 76. He was born November 27, 1943 in Newport, the son of Robert Wood and Lina Mae (Hembrey) Patterson.
In 1968, Mr. Patterson married Miss Shirley Ann Ray, and together they spent 52 years.
Mr. Patterson was a Master Plumber, well known locally for his trade. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and motorcycles. Mr. Patterson was very artistic, and loved history and learning. He enjoyed reading about archeology, and looking for arrowheads and Native American artifacts.
Mr. Patterson spent many years as a member of the Newport Pentecostal Church of God. During his time there he participated in the Prison Ministry, and the Bus Ministry, making sure anyone who needed a way to church was taken care of. In later years, he was a member of the Healing Hands Community Church, where he was a part of the HHCC Men’s Group. He loved his family and friends, but he loved his Lord most of all.
Phyllis homes, discussed how Mr Patterson helped tirelessly promote Pearls Unique of Newport. Mrs. Holmes mentioned his worked help further their pearl business and she is forever indebted to him for his enthusiasm and love to help others.
Rest in peace Mr Patterson, your work on earth is finished.
Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.
Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.
After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.
In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.
She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.
Drew is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current membership chair.
In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.