Terrance Lewis Knapper

Terrance Lewis Knapper was the second child born on April 28, 1947, in Portland, OR to Wille J. and Cora Knapper. 

At an early age, Terrance, known as Terry, was baptized at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Portland, OR under Pastor Sylvester McCullumn. The scripture Proverbs 22:6 ”Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” really exemplifies Terry’s life.  As he grew, he stopped attending church regularly - but God still had his hands on him. 

He married Alicia McClinton in 1970 and to this union, two daughters were born.  He welcomed the birth of his third daughter, Abena, in 1974.  In June 1982, he married Debra Golden and received two bonus children, Monique and Damone.  In their attempt to have a child of their own, they experienced three pregnancies leading to three premature infant deaths before they were successful in the birth of Tyrone.

Terry was a graduate of Ulysses S. Grant High School, Portland, OR.  He received an Associates's Degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Portland Community College.  In 1982, he graduated from Western Business College where he focused on Accounting.

Like so many young people, Terry became addicted to drugs.  After years of addiction, he overcame his addiction and was proudly celebrated 32 years of recovery.   In wanting to assist others who were addicted, he received a State of Oregon Certification to become an Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor. He worked for Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, Lifeworks NW,  Garlington Center and retired from Volunteers of America.   After retirement, he drove for Uber and Lyft.  He was an active member of The Miracles Club and was also a monthly participant in a Friend’s Men Breakfast Club and was also a monthly participant in a Friend’s Men Breakfast Club,

Being a deep thinker, he became one of Portland’s finest chess players. The competition gave him an opportunity to win several matches and to make many longtime friends.

Terry returned to his church roots and, until his death, was an active member of the Morning Star Baptist Church.  He was a participant in the Choir, Mass Choir, and Men's Choir.   He also took joy in maintaining the church lawn.

Waiting for him in glory are his parents, Willie and Cora Knapper, sisters Sadie Ross and Grace Constantino, brothers Joe Knapper and Donnie Knapper; three infant children, Terrance Lewis Knapper, Jr., Itrie Lynn Knapper, and DoMonique Knapper and one grandson, Tevin Knapper.

Terry leaves to celebrate his memory a loving and devoted wife, Debra Knapper, three daughters: Danyelle, Abena, and Tamara Knapper; one bonus daughter, Monique Golden, one son Tyrone Knapper and one bonus son, Damone Newman; awesome grandchildren, Tiesha Mills, Andrian McDonald, Shakur Gibson, Tariq William-Knapper, Tamera Barley-Knapper, Tiona Knapper,  Brooklyn Thayer, Zariah Voss, Hanna Karpstine, Kayla Newman, Keonie Newman, Shawnique, Itriera, and Sylvannah Davis; Great Grands, Kayden Gibson, Amya McDonald, and L’Vaugn McDonald; Three sisters, Maudie White of Portland, OR, Mary Lavender of Long Beach, CA, Brenda Dodd (Gerald) of Carson, CA and four brothers, Kenny Knapper, Ronnie Knapper of Portland OR, Dennis Knapper of Oakley, CA and Ronnie Vidal of Portland, OR; One sister in law Freddie Cole and brother in law, Dwight Golden along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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