Obituary of Mary Downie Knowlton

Mary Downie “MaryDee” Hamer Knowlton, 77, widow of Timothy Jackson “Jack” Knowlton Jr. died Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Born in Lumberton, N.C. she was a daughter of the late Robert Harry Hamer and Mary Downie Tyner Hamer. Mrs. Knowlton retired from the S.C. Department of Corrections and later from Sumter Ear, Nose and Throat. MaryDee’s lineage society memberships were her hobby and her passion. She was a charter member of Wateree Chapter, Colonial Dames XVII Century, and currently served as Chapter Registrar. She had served as SC State Recording Secretary until her health began to fail. As a former member of Teige Cantey Chapter in Sumter, she served a term as Chapter President. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for over 30 years. She most recently held membership in Joseph Kershaw Chapter in Camden, and served in several offices, including Regent and Chapter Registrar. She was a member of Daughters of American Colonists (DAC), The Huguenot Society of Virginia, The Order of the First Families of Maryland, and a long-time member of John D. Kennedy Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), having served as Chapter President, most other offices, and two terms as Central District Director. Surviving are two sons, William A. “Billy” Garris, Jr. (Greta) and Robert B. “Bobby” Garris (Kelley); six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a sister, Daisy Lee. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.