Mary Blanche Knipper

Mary Knipper, 95, passed away Monday, March 14, 2022, at her home in Waco. A graveside funeral service officiated by Pastor Matt Snowden will be held Thursday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m., at Oakwood Cemetery. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home is handling arrangements. No visitation is planned. Mary Blanche Hooker was born at her family home December 22, 1926, in Tenaha, Texas, to B.G. (Tap) Hooker and Dowell Bell Hooker. She graduated from Carthage High School in 1944. She attended Baylor University in Waco and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in medical technology in 1948. She did her clinical medical technology training at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. While an undergraduate in Waco, Mary Blanche was active in Athenians and met her future husband Edward James Knipper. Mary and Ed were married August 27, 1949. Their marriage lasted nearly 64 years until his death in 2013. They were world travelers making memories together, crossing four continents on dozens of trips. Mary began her career as a medical technologist (M.T., ASCP) in hematology/blood banking in Waco at the Central Texas Regional Blood Center. She was active and responsible for screening much of the blood supply needed following the Waco tornado in 1953. Later, she worked in the laboratory office of Drs. Arch Coleman and Jack Sloan, before spending the majority of her career as supervisor of the blood transfusion service at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital. She retired from Hillcrest in 1992 after 25 years of service. Mrs. Knipper taught a generation of medical technology students over the years, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and educational excellence in her field. Mary was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Waco, most recently a member of the Hannah Class. Her life was characterized by humility and service toward friends, family, colleagues, and complete strangers. She was a volunteer at Gospel Café for many years and was a smiling face at WRS Athletic Club. She was a giver at heart, practicing random acts of kindness “even unto the least of these.” Her favorite passage of Scripture was Matthew 6:33-34. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Knipper, and sister, Beth Merkle, of Mogadore, Ohio. Her survivors include two sons, Jeff Knipper and wife, Emily McLaughlin, of Ft. Worth, and Joe Knipper and wife, Eileen, of Waco; and three nieces, Gail Frost, Sharon Keene, and Debbie Metzger. Honorary pallbearers include Trigger Firmin, Clyde Hart, Jim Hudson, Dr. Mark Schwartze, and Dr. Bill Smith. Memorial gifts may be made to the First Baptist Church Foundation, Fuzzy Friends Rescue, or the charity of your choice. The family invites you to share a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.