Hazel Knibb Heider

1928 - 2025

Hazel Knibb Heider

December 23, 1928 - May 2, 2025

Hazel Henrietta Knibb (Casper) Heider was born in Goochland Va., to Rev. John Haddon Knibb, Sr. and Mina H. Knibb on Dec 23, 1928. She left this earth peacefully on May 2nd, 2025, ending a very challenging and inspiring 11-year journey as a post-stroke patient. Throughout her 96 years, she led a life of selfless love, devoted to family, church, and always giving 110%. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Robert Lee Casper (08/27/1952 – 07/24/1978) and William F. Heider (03/20/1999 – 05/04/2014); brothers John Haddon Knibb Jr. and Donald Eugene Knibb; and grandson Philip James Clelland.

She is survived by daughters Nelda Clelland and Elaine Casper (Rich); her grandson Douglas Clelland (Karen) and their children (Adia, Jasper, and Elon); brothers David Knibb (Wendy) and Robert Knibb (Gigi); and many loving nieces, nephews and sweet cousins. Hazel held a unique and special love for each member of her family, especially her grandsons.

When her brothers were around, you could be guaranteed a fiercely competitive Scrabble match and a debate about any hot topic of the day.

In business circles, Hazel was known and commended for her sharp mind and organizational skills. She had a successful career as business manager for prominent Architectural firms and later at the McGuire Veterans Hospital. Her affinity for numbers and details were valued. Even her CPA commented that her record keeping outshone any he had ever seen.

Music held a special place in Hazel's life. She was a talented pianist and vocalist who taught others, including her daughter Nelda, to play the piano. Lots of warm memories involve Hazel playing the piano and leading others in song both at home, church and even on cruises later in life. After her stroke, she recovered her ability to read music notes long before she could read the alphabet again.

In addition to music, she was fond of gooey chocolate desserts, shrimp, butterflies, her church family and friends, and a job well done no matter how big or small. In all aspects of her life, she led with rules born from a compassionate, loving heart. She modeled the values of discipline, work ethic, servanthood, compassion, dedication to your beliefs, determination, and earning your treats and privileges.

One of Hazel's proudest accomplishments was raising two independent, successful daughters with distinct talents of their own. She and her daughter Elaine formed a unique relationship during the last decade of Hazel's life as their roles reversed, and Elaine became her primary caregiver. The journey they walked together leaves an indelible legacy of love, patience, and the importance of giving your best, which is always good enough.

Hazel gave her best to all, and can rest in peace knowing her job on earth was well done. In the words of Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light" and Matthew 25:23 "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Her family is grateful for all who loved Hazel and provided compassionate care and support, especially Lindsay Seymour, Barbara Ozlin, Stan Lubin, Affinity Hospice, and special staff at Shalom Gardens.

A celebration of her life will be held at Elpis Christian Church, 2703 Elpis Church Road, Maidens, Va 23102 on Friday, June 6th at 11: a.m. Everyone is invited to join the family after the service for a lunch reception to honor Hazel's life with stories and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to her current church (Bethany Christian Church, 5400 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, Va 23225, or to her family church (Elpis Christian Church), would be appreciated.