Mary Mcabee Knopf

Mary McAbee Knopf, 87, died on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 surrounded by her family at the home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Pastor JD Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Saturday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Mary was born on January 2, 1937 in Gaffney, SC to the late Alvin and Miller Ree McAbee. At an early age her family moved to Great Falls, SC. Mary met her true love, William (Bill) H. Knopf, Jr. in May 1954 while working at Eagle 5 and 10 Store. The two married on Aug 26, 1954 and loved each other for 70 years during which they were members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Together they loved camping and traveled the United States. In 1956 they welcomed their son, Kenneth Wayne Knopf into the world. She enjoyed taking and cheering for him while he was racing go-carts. Fifteen years later, they welcomed another son, William Henry Knopf, III. She enjoyed watching them both work for NASCAR driver, Davey Allison, in the early years. Mary worked at Cinderella Knitting for 30 years. She developed so many friendships during this time. She loved attending Shriner events, walking the aisles of flea markets and hunting for the best yard sales with her husband. Along with her husband, she operated a thrift store in Winnsboro, SC for over 20 years. They never met a stranger and have some of the best friends from that store. She loved watching NASCAR races and cheering on her favorite driver. Mary loved traveling the state watching William coach basketball at Glenforest School and making many more friendships while cheering on the Bulldogs. Of all the things Mary enjoyed and people she met along the way, nothing was greater than the love she had for her five grandchildren; Jamie Knopf (Kendra), Chassidy James (Adam), Kenny Knopf, Jr (Kayla), Brittaney Rawdon (Jason), and Liam Knopf; and eight great-grandchildren; Summer and AJ James; Cole, Tripp and Mason Knopf; Anniston, Haven and Garrison Rawdon. She held each of them close to her heart. She enjoyed attending various activities and events for all her grands. She is also survived by her husband of 70 years, William “Bill” Knopf, Jr. Her children, Kenny and his wife BJ, William and his wife, Lee; brothers, George (Ann), William and Billy McAbee; and sisters, Carolyn Donahue and Ruby Sellers. Mary was preceded in death by one brother, BC McAbee and one sister, Minnie Rigsby. Her brothers-in law, James Sellers and Edwin Donahue and her sister-in law, Diane McAbee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church Bus Fund, 6924 Wateree Rd., Great Falls, SC 29055. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.dantzler-bakerfuneralhome.com.