Aline Rose Brown Knippers, 83, of Progress, gained her heavenly reward Monday, February 13, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born September 10, 1939, in Progress, MS to Joe P. Brown and Norma Rea McDaniel Brown.

Aline graduated Progress High School in 1957 and Southwest Mississippi Junior College in 1976 with a nursing degree. She retired from Southwest Regional Medical Center. In her own words "becoming a nurse was a turning point in my life". From 1977 to 2017 she and Norma Fortinberry started the Joy Journal newsletter. For many years she wrote the "Progress News" for the Magnolia Gazette. She loved to write and had a way with words. In 2012 she began writing a book of her life that she completed and published in 2020 for her children.

Aline married Loyd (Gene) Knippers on March 14, 1957 and this year they would have celebrated 66 years of marriage. Theirs is a classic love story. With Gene in the military they lived and travelled all over the world, a love of travel that would continue up to a few years ago. She loved to sew, crochet, watch old movies, travelling, and watching her kids and grandkids grow up.

She was a faithful member of Progress Baptist Church where she taughtSunday School, prepared the church bulletins and was on the Homecoming Committee. Her greatest priority in life was to make sure each of her children and grandchildren loved the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Joe Earl Brown and Mickey Brown; three sisters in law, Pat Knippers, Hazel Barlow and Louise Tiner; two brothers-in-law Glen Barlow and Lamar Tiner; one daughter-in-law, Linda Goza Knippers; nephews, Jason Knippers, Vernon  Tiner, John Tiner, Jimmy Brown, Sheila Barlow, Stanley Barlow, Jimmy Knippers, and Allen Knippers.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Loyd (Gene) Knippers; her four children, Beverly Bankston (Steve), Michael Knippers (Sheila), Carl Knippers (Bernice) and Susan Chadwick (Chad); grandchildren, Brenda Sprayberry (Brock), Kathy Jo Steele (Stoney), Samantha Weaver (Michael) James Knippers (Anna), Jessica Knippers, Trudy Cefalu (Nathan), Lizzy Kennedy (Tanner), Darian Beltran (Roberto), Bridgette Breeland, Sarah Kennedy (Keagan) and Shane Bankston (Jessica); great grandchildren, Ashlyn Sprayberry, Cayden Sprayberry, Jaxson Steele, Mason Steele, Raelyn Knippers, Dylan Knippers, Gabe Weaver, Belle Weaver, Russ Dillon, Rowan Daigle, Courtney Roques, Haley Cefalu, Trey Brogan, Levi Bankston, and Lincoln Bankston; sister, Kathy Fortenberry (Randy); sister-in-law, Marilyn Brown; brothers-in-law, Joe Knippers and Major Knippers (Shirley); great great grandchildren, Greyson Roques and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers are James Knippers, Kevin Knippers, Jaxson Steele, Hugh Brown, Brock Sprayberry, and Brad Fortenberry

Honorary Pallbearers are Mason Steele, Cayden Sprayberry, Michael Weaver, Dr. Luke Lampton, Stoney Steele, and Gabe Weaver

A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Progress Baptist Church beginning at 4PM until 8PM and will continue Thursday, February, 16, 2023, at 9AM until time of service at 10AM. A graveside service will immediately follow at Progress Cemetery with Bro. Dan Purdue and Bro. Richie Fortenberry officiating. Sharkey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

We want to thank Dr. Luke Lampton and Compassus Hospice (Candi, Bruce, Aretha and Theresa) for their love and care.