Obituary of Mary R. Knapper

Mary R. Knapper, the first of 5 children born to the late John and Carrie Mae (Jefferson) Richardson on April 24, 1955 in Richland County, South Carolina, was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Providence Health Northeast in Columbia, SC.

Educated in the public schools of Richland County, she was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. Understanding the importance of an education, she pursued and held numerous degrees, including an Associate in Science in Business Management Technology and an Associate in Business in Banking and Finance, both from Midlands Technical College; a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Allen University with Cum Laude honors; a Master of Business Administration from Webster University; and was pursuing her Ph.D. Mary was employed by Dick Smith Nissan as a Financial Accountant Specialist for many years.

She received Jesus Christ at a young age at Damascus Holiness Church. Throughout her life, she served in various capacities at several ministries, such as Hepzibah Holiness Church, Bible Way Church of Atlas Road, and Living Word Church and Fellowship, where she was licensed as a minister.

Mary was a loving, devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a warrior for the Lord our God. She walked and talked with Jesus every day. Although she is no longer physically with us, her beautiful, loving spirit will always live in the hearts and lives of all who loved and knew her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John and Carrie Mae (Jefferson) Richardson; and sisters, Elizabeth R. Scott and Barbara R. Blackman. She is lovingly survived by her son, Melvin S. Knapper Jr.; daughter, Averie (Joey) K. Wilson; the father of her children, Melvin Knapper Sr.; grandchildren, Alijah and Coby Wilson; brother, John (Shirley) Richardson Jr.; sister, Sheila (Johnny) Grant; aunts, Beatrice Miller and Mattie Jefferson; great aunts, Willie Mae Alston and Rosa Lee Alston; and a host of nephews, nieces, loving relatives, church family and dear friends.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.   

2 Timothy 4:7-8

We, the family of the late Mary R. Knapper, wish to express our sincere gratitude to each of you for all the prayers, visits, love, and other acts of kindness shown to us during our time of loss.  We pray God will richly bless each of you for your sharing and caring.