Sara Knapp

Sara Penninger Knapp, 93, of Brookstone Retirement Center formerly of Linwood Southmont Rd., Lexington died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013 in Hinkle Hospice House. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Jersey Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Michael Collier and Rev. Morris S. Holifield officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the multi-purpose room. Mrs. Knapp was born March 6, 1919 in Davidson County to John Nelson Penninger, Sr. and Emma Sharpe Penninger. She graduated from Linwood School in 1933; then graduated from Pheiffer College and Applachian State University. She began her career as an elementary school teacher at Wallburg School. In 1945 she began her employment at Linwood Manufacturing and retired after 40 years of service. Mrs. Knapp was an active member of Jersey Baptist Church as long as she was physically able. She served as Sunday School teacher for many age groups, was YWA leader, member of the church choir, and member of Negrin Women’s Group. She also served on many committees including Pastor Search Committees and the Jersey Baptist Church History Committee. She also served as WMU Director, and church clerk for many years. She was a member of the Lexington Woman’s Business Club, served with Meals on Wheels, and was very active in support of the Baptist Children’s Home of North Carolina. She married Robert Knapp, September 27, 1953. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, John Nelson Penninger, Jr. Surviving are a brother, Charles H. Penninger of Linwood; Nieces and Nephews, Doris Penninger Farmer and husband, Boyd, Glenn F. Penninger and wife, Brenda, Phyllis Penninger Willis and husband, John, Nelson Penninger and wife, Teresa, Terry Ingerson and wife, Betty, Charles Ingerson, Joanne Ingerson Boughner and husband, Arnold; also surviving are numerous great nieces and nephews whom she greatly loved and enjoyed; three foster children, George Frady, Cathy Allen Biddix, and Jan Powell. Memorials may be directed to Jersey Baptist Church, P.O. Box 849, Linwood, NC 27299; Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292 or to Baptist Children’s Home of NC, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27361-0338 Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net