Mary Knapp

Mary G. Knapp, age 87, passed away at 8:30 a.m., March 29, 2006. For the past two years she resided at the lovely Beehive Assisted Living Home in Pahrump, where she could be near her daughter, Libbie. Mary was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Walter Waverly Graham of Arno, Tenn. Early in her career, she was a beautician and worked her way through college. After graduation from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., she joined the U.S. Marine Corps Women's Reserve. She got her graduate degree from Peabody Teacher's College in Nashville, Tenn. Mary was an active member until after her marriage to Edward Knapp in May of 1946. She was married to Ed for 29 years. She remained in the Reserves until 1956, when she was relieved of her duties as a captain. Until her recent illness, Mary was an active member of University United Methodist Church. She was a trustee, member of Rebecca Circle, literacy teacher, and was known for her famous pecan pies. She often served as liturgist at the 8:30 a.m. service. Mary taught at Las Vegas High and later at Rancho High, until she retired in 1979. Her specialty was home economics. Mary became a volunteer and spent many hours in the Veteran's Clinic in Las Vegas, as well as at the Salvation Army in Las Vegas. She traveled extensively all over the world, including China which was her favorite of all her adventures. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Walter, Hatcher, Douglas, John, Charles, and Abram (Sug); and sisters, Ruth and Elizabeth, all of Tennessee. She leaves only one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth (Steven) Hamrick; and two granddaughters, Mary Beth and Katie, all of Pahrump. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, at University United Methodist Church, 4412 S. Maryland Parkway. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Salvation Army.