The Obituary

" But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,  they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Edward and Carrie Gethers McKnight welcomed the third of their nine children Mary McKnight on December 20, 1935. Mary waited on the Lord and received her heavenly wings on Monday, April 5, 2021 at home surrounded by her devoted children.  Mary embraced her Savior and was reunited with her parents, all her siblings, husband and a grandson.

Mary was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County.  She was employed at Jamestown River Wool (PULSA) and Timberland High School as a cafeteria worker. After her retirement in 1999, she became available to provide care for family and friends. She loved cooking, baking, gardening, canning,  sewing, and singing. Mary ensured everyone always had a hot meal.

At an early age, Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and became a dedicated member of Bethel United Methodist Church.  She faithfully served in various ministries to include the Usher Board, Usher Union #4, Communion Stewardess, and the Senior Choir. Her favorite song was "I Believe I will Run On." She was a community volunteer serving with the Summer Feeding Program and transporting others to church and appointments.  Mary was politically engaged in the electoral process. She was excited to see the election of President Barack Obama.  When her health allowed, she participated in the events of the NAACP and other community programs.

On March 30, 1955, Mary was united in holy matrimony to Joseph "Boy" Nelson, and they were blessed with ten children. Together they taught their children by words and deeds how to live as productive citizens.  They were strict disciplinarian and commanded respect. After his death twelve years ago, Mother became a one-woman drill sergeant yielding her power with persuasion and precision. Mary shared her wisdom solicited and unsolicited; anyone unable to handle the truth was encouraged to avoid asking her.

Mother Mary was vivacious and determined.  She never complained about the hardships and instead found a path through every obstacle.  Her stories about her life in poverty with her siblings gave her courage to share life lessons.  Her latter days were better than her former.  Mother was a comedian at heart.  She enjoyed the Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, Judge Judy, Family Feud, and good movies.  She was an avid sports fan often attending games at Timberland High School.  She loved watching sports on television, and her favorite teams were the Atlanta Braves baseball and the Carolina Panthers football.

Mother loved her family; she was doctor, lawyer and Indian chief. She was always present and available for life events.  In good times and bad (births, graduations, weddings, principal and attorney's offices, and the courthouse).   Her home remedies were used to cure most ailments. The catfoot tea was a favorite. Her advice has kept many out of trouble.  Some of her famous sayings are "manners will take you where money won't," "birds of a feather flock together," "If you lie down with dogs; you will get up with fleas." Her life reflected a commitment to the plan God had for her.  She never wavered from trusting and giving God thanks in all circumstances.  She said often, "The Lord has been good to me, giving me more than I expected."

Her memory will be forever cherished in the hearts of her beloved children: Delores (Peter) Johnson, Cross, SC; Joyce (Delmar) Yeadon, Moncks Corner, SC; Rev. Dr. Constance "Connie" Barnes, Columbia, SC; Nathaniel "Moses" Nelson, St. Stephen, SC; Cheryl Nelson, Atlanta, GA; JoAnn Nelson, Goose Creek, SC; Faith (Sherman) Mouzon, Goose Creek, SC; Sadie "Ness" Nelson, North Charleston, SC; Olanda Nelson, Columbia, SC; Rolanda Nelson James, Summerville, SC; and, a grandson reared in the home, Anthony Nelson, Columbia, SC; twenty-five grandchildren including Xavier Nelson; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; three brothers-in-law: Deacon Louis (Virginia) Nelson, SC; Rev. Samuel (Gaynell) Nelson, SC; Leroy (Nancy) Nelson; caring nieces and nephew: Ernestine McKnight, Betty (Isaac) Pressley, Carla (Patrick) Jenkins, and Franklin Crawford; neighbor and cousin Rubin Stretch; friends: Lover King, Emma Battle, Janet McLean, pet canine, "King," and a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her Bethel UMC Family.

The family is receiving friends at 130 Stretch Lane, St. Stephen, SC from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please wear a face mask when visiting the family.

Viewing will be Saturday, April 10, 2021, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home (Moncks Corner). A viewing will be held Sunday from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, April 11, 2021, 3:00 p.m., at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1245 Forty One Road, St. Stephen, SC. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh

As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing at both the viewing and the service.