Pauline Lavada Knapper

Pauline Lavada Simms (Harrison) Knapper, 84 years, of Kansas City, MO passed way Thursday, November 26, 2020.

She was born December 4, 1935, in Kansas City, MO to Homer Spencer Simms, Sr. and Nina (Johnson) Simms. She was one of five children born to this union. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Georgia Mae Simms and Barbara Ray, two brothers Homer “Bubby” Simms and Roger Simms, Sr., one son Kevin Leroy Harrison and one grandson Kenneth Wayne Harrison.

In 1951 she was united in marriage to Albert “Humpty” Harrison. To this union eight children were born. On December 29, 2005, Pauline was united in marriage to Peter Knapper, who preceded her in death.

She was a faithful member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church for over 20 years under the leadership of Pastor William F. Snorgrass. She worked with the City Union Mission Ministry from 2000-2004. Pauline served as a member of the Usher Board for many years where she loved assisting the congregation until her health declined. Pauline was employed at Butternut Bread for many years before it closed. She then worked for Wonder Bread until she retired. She loved working in the yard for hours and working with ceramics. She also loved car rides so her son-in-law Larry LaMette would take her most days for long rides around the city. She looked forward to those rides. She was most proud of her large family. She looked forward to the many large family gatherings and celebrations.

Pauline leaves to mourn her passing four daughters Linda (Larry) LaMette, Karen (Robert) Mansaw, Barbara Lee, Nina Harrison and three sons Anthony (Camille) Harrison, Sr., Roger Harrison, Sr., Albert Stanley Harrison; one sister Lynette McDaniel; 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Due to the COVID-19, please respect social distancing and face covering guidelines. Temperature checks will be enforced.