Josie Styles Knapp

Josie Styles Knapp passed away on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Kirkwood By The River in Birmingham, AL. She was 90 years old & died of complications from pneumonia. Born on the Winter Solstice, on December 21, 1926, on the outskirts of Birmingham, she was predeceased by her parents, Sarah Elizabeth Lindsey Styles and Charles Styles, her husband David Prentice Knapp, Jr., as well as her siblings, Polly Vick, Rudy Harris, Mary Collier, Martha Wyatt, Fred Styles, Sr.

Josie grew up during the Great Depression and WWII which helped nurture her sense of independence from an early age. She was a career woman at a time when few women worked outside the home. Starting as a bookkeeper, she advanced to accountant and then office manager. . Her first airplane trip was paid for by a firm that wanted her to relocate to New York City, a job offer that she eventually turned down - she wanted to remain in her home town. At her installation as the new President of the Birmingham Chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants, the Birmingham News described Josie as a combination of beauty, brains, and a contagious smile with dimples to boot.

While working at Knapp Motor Co. she met her future husband Prentice Knapp, Jr. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1965 and lived happily together until his passing in 1996. Together, they ran a real estate business, and were fortunate enough to travel extensively, making many friends along the way. Josie would defer to Prentice’s wonderful storytelling but was actually quite a spinner of tales herself. The best stories were always rooted in reality, like the adventures of Jocko, their pet monkey, and fascinated young and old alike.

Later in life, Josie became an award winning Ballroom dancer and was a proud member of Ballerinas & Gaieties Dance Clubs. She opened the doors of her home and continued the philanthropic activities that she and

Prentice began. Josie was a member and supporter of a number of civic organizations including: Junior Achievement, James Hatcher’s Little Theatre, The Alabama Ballet, The Virginia Samford Theater, and many others. She was also a member of the Country Club of Birmingham and the Birmingham Garden Club.

Josie Knapp was a woman full of Grace, humor, beauty, and wit. She was a bright flower who lit up those around her and she will be greatly missed by her family and many close friends. The family would like to give special thanks to Cindy Cox for her faithful love, friendship, and long-term care.

A Visitation will be held at Ridouts Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, in Homewood from 1:00 to2:00 PM on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 followed by a brief service there, in lieu of a graveside service.

A CELEBRATION OF JOSIE KNAPP’S LIFE will be held at Kirkwood By The River, 3605 Ratliff Road, Birmingham, AL 35210 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, August 22nd.

Josie is survived by her brother-in-law, Kenneth Wyatt and many nieces & nephews including Chris Vick, Dolly Brink, Greer & Frank Curry, Jim & Kathy Whitson, Buddy & Donna Collier, Marilyn Collier, Richard Collier, Mary Jane & Jeff Dillard, Terry & Rhonda Harris, Peggy & Fred Styles, Jr., Jennifer Whitson, J. Whitson, Matt Whitson, Kay, Kim, Kathy, & Brian Keith Wyatt, . . . and a great many close and loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Virginia Samford Theatre, 1116 26th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35205-2414