Lana Jane Knapp

Lana Jane Knapp, 76, of Columbia, Tennessee went to be with Jesus on March 27, 2023. She was born in Columbus, Ohio the daughter of her deceased parents Melvin Dusenberry and Betty Gheen Savoie. She was preceded in death by her husband (World War II veteran) Kenneth Knapp, brothers Jake and Melvin Dusenberry, and sister Susan Van Nostrand. Her youngest son Alan Welke left us a few years ago as well.

Lana is survived by her son Rick Welke and wife Donna of Mt. Pleasant, TN, and daughter Brenda Knapp and husband George of Columbia, TN, sisters Mary Alice (Ralph), Mari Beth (Walt), and Karen. Grandsons include Anthony Elmendorf, Jeffrey (JJ), Brian and Dallas; many great-grandchildren, and loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

She is known for her unrelenting giving to people that crossed her path, and a passionate loving mother, family member, and friend of many. No matter where she was, Lana was always thinking of others and trying to figure out how to help hurting people however and whenever she was able. She did it to a fault, even if she had little to give. If you knew her you know that to be true. She is an unconditional lover of people.

She worked at Woolworth's in Columbus, OH for 10 years working around the store, serving people doing floor work, cooking up orders (her favorite), and even doing some management duties in the restaurant. Lana loved to cook for other people, and was an extraordinary dessert maker. She had stints as a country singer, appearing on TV a few times with a local show, and served as a counselor at Gladden Community House in the local neighborhood center. Lana was a single mom the majority of her earthly life, and had to make difficult choices along life's journey to make ends meet. But she loved her three children with every breathe she took, even working multiple jobs to put food on the table. She would do anything for family.

Lana's Christian faith was evident to anyone who spent any amount of time with her. Between her charitable work, being a counselor, serving as a waitress and at her local church in various ways, she loved to be a light in a dark world. Jesus shown threw her efforts in public and in private. Lana loved people, and they loved her back for being a great friend and – at times a caretaker – even taking primary care of a few family members when they needed help at their most vulnerable moment. She suffered from many illnesses throughout her adult life, but set that aside to serve those around her without fail, even at times in a near impossible physical state. Lana even made an impact at the care facilities she lived at over her last few years, bringing in needed food to those that needed it, and simply being a friend to those that desperately needed a lift. She knew how to talk to people, and that made an impact on so many countless souls.

From Rick & Brenda: Mom, we are so proud of you! You lived a great life impacting everyone around you in all kinds of life circumstances and personal situations that most would run from. We will carry on that giving mindset that you were gifted by Jesus to accomplish here on earth. We love you and miss you incredibly. Enjoy your reward Momma, you certainly deserve it. Until we see you again - Kindness Always!

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Steven Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in Maury Memorial Gardens. A visitation will also be held on Tuesday from 1:30 – 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.