Irene Harper Knapps

Irene Harper Knapps passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 93.  She was born on Saturday, January 12, 1929 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana to the late Easter Joiner Harper and the late Washington Napoleon Harper.  She was a resident of Hammond, Louisiana.

Irene loved LSU and attending LSU games to cheer on the football team. She also loved to cook, and was very involved in many aspects of the ministry at Ebenezer Baptist Church with her husband, Walter, for many years. Most of all, Irene loved her children, grandchildren, and the rest of her family.

Irene is survived by her children, Frances Josephine Mauro, Theresa Knapps Cash and her husband, Archie, Michael Hugh Knapps and his wife, Susan, and Deborah Knapps Ellzey and her husband, Mark; grandchildren, Douglas Mauro, David Mauro, Vonda Downing, Stephanie England, Walter Penalber, Adam Knapps, Ethan Knapps, Timothy Ellzey, and Joshua Ellzey; great-grandchildren, Preston England, Allie England, Taylor Higginson, Tori England, Ryan Downing, Brooke Downing, Jadon Ellzey, Cohen Ellzey, Cailyn Ellzey, Reese Ellzey, and Caleb Ellzey; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Irene is also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Joseph Knapps.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 49322 River Road, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Thursday, October 20, 2022 beginning at 9:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 11:00 AM.  

Interment will follow in Johnson Cemetery, Tickfaw, Louisiana.