Mary Elizabeth Knisley

Mary Elizabeth Knisley of Fredericksburg passed away on September 13, 2020 at home surrounded by her family. Mary was born August 10, 1942 to the late James Hawkins and Elizabeth Hawkins Switzer. Her survivors include her sons, Ricky Haines (Maggie), Kenny Haines (Kim), daughters, Brenda Young (Tommy), Nancy Leake (Butch), and Cindy Haines. Brother, Charlie Hawkins (Betty), and sisters, Hazel Haines (Richard), Lois Alter and Shirley Hitt, her sister in-law and best friend Virginia Haines Hitt, 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the true love of her life William “Bill” Knisley of 20 years. Also, by her first husband and the father of her children Russell Thomas Haines. Brothers Junior Hawkins, Billy Hawkins, sisters, Josephine Pickett and Pauline Grigsby. Pallbearers are her grandsons Tim Brown, Ricky Haines Jr, Kenny Lee Haines, TJ “Punkin Head” Young, Travis Leake and Nick Swett Mary was known for her feistiness, and her flirtationess with every man she met. We would have to tell her to behave herself and she would say “why”. She would tell her Dr’s or whoever she met that didn’t know her, that she has five brats. She had no filter. She enjoyed cooking for her family. She loved to go to Charlestown and play the slots. Her favorite NASCAR driver was Jeff Gordon. Back in the day when the love of her life was still with her “Bill”, they would sit around and play poker, smoke their cigarettes and drink Canadian mist. Which she also taught her grandchildren how to play poker and would play with them often. Whenever you visited her she would say “Did you bring me a good stiff drink”. She loved her coconut rum. Mom fought a hard and long battle this past year and a half especially with her dementia. Despite all of that, she was still her spunky self and was often referred to as a “hoot”. She was very special to all of us and everyone who knew her. We want to give a big special thanks out to Charlotte Powell. She was a life saver these past couple months. She may have came into mom’s life as a caregiver, but in the end they became very close. Every evening when Charlotte went to leave, mom would asked her “where are you going, aren’t you spending the night” and Charlotte would say “No I’m going home but I will be back in the morning” mom would say “ok behave yourself, I’ll see you in the morning, love you” You are now at peace and no longer in pain. You will always be in our hearts and we will always miss you. Until we me again “We Love You, Your Five Brats and Grandchildren” In Liew of flowers donations may be made to the National Alzheimer's Association or to Spotsylvania Baptist Church, P.O. Bock 368, Spotsylvania, VA 22553