Mary N. Knott

Mary leaves behind her loving husband of 57 years, Robert “Bob” Knott of the home; daughter Pam Hallyburton and husband, Sam of Marion; son David Knott and wife, Nancy of Wilmington; granddaughter Bailey Chu and husband Doug Wilson of Greensboro; granddaughter Lauren Patin and husband Paul of Cary; grandson Jeff Hallyburton and girlfriend Stacie Johnson of Asheville; granddaughter Tammy Duran and children Robert Best, Sarah Dickson, and Thomas Duran; grandson James Piver and wife Shay and daughter Alexa, and preceded in death by Melisa Duran, 2-16-70 to 7-21-91, all of Wilmington; granddaughter Lillian Kohli and husband Eric and their children Ainsley, Will, and Gabby of Simi Valley, CA; and granddaughter Olivia Berger and husband Greg of London, UK.

Mary was born and raised in Memphis, TN to John Anthony and Mabel Mentzel. She excelled in piano and flute, and met her husband Bob at a statewide music competition at age 17, followed by both attending Memphis State University together as music majors. Mary began teaching piano and flute at age 16 and has helped to instill the love of music in countless thousands of students in her 61 years as a teacher. Her family is especially proud that she continued to teach throughout her two year battle with cancer, and that she continued this passion right up to the very day that she entered the hospital and Hospice care. Her other passion in life was her family. She is cherished as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and she lives on through this love.

Time with Family and Friends is scheduled for Sunday, October 8th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Apex Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Apex United Methodist Church Music Department, or Transitions Hospice of Wake County. We welcome you to celebrate Mary’s life through a service of remembrance on Saturday, October 21st at Apex United Methodist Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Apex Funeral Home, Apex, North Carolina.