Submit Your Condolence
All condolence submissions are moderated for legitimacy and appropriateness before posting online. Your email address will not be published.
Delores Ann Prater “Dee” Knieper
Delores Ann Prater “Dee” Knieper, 89 entered her heavenly home praising on January 26, 2026. Dee leaves behind her immediate family of three children; Debbie Hurst (Bill), Art Knieper (Sue), and Rick Knieper (Debbie); nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Dee also leaves behind three sisters and many countless loving relatives and friends.
Dee was the oldest of ten children. She loved her family and any extended church family she had acquired over the years. She had many talents that touched a lot of people through her shoe store on the Outer Banks, and refurbishing furniture at her Chesapeake store; but Dee’s greatest gift and love was decorating the interior of homes.
Dee was predeceased by her husband, Herbert A. Knieper as well as four sisters and two brothers, and her parents, Jack and Shirley Prater.
In accordance with her wishes, Dee’s funeral and burial were private. Plans for a future memorial are pending at this time. Please share condolences with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements
Condolences
God bless you with the Peace that only He can give. Love, Jake & Wendy Whedbee Calvin Pres.
She will be missed by many. Her charm and loving smile i will cherish! She always made me feel welcome and loved. Praise God, she is home and free of all sickness and hurts of this life. Love you always. Bonita-"Bonnie" Whitaker
Dee always made me feel welcome and loved! Her smile and warmth will be missed. Praise God, she is home and no longer is hurting. Love you always! Bonita-"Bonnie" Whitaker
Rick, Debbie and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God bless you and watch over you in this time of sorrow. Lana &Art Hilton
We were so sorry to hear about Nana’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady and we have enjoyed talking to her over the years.
My prayers & condolences 💐 are with the family.
Rick, I was very sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie so sorry to hear that your Mom passed. I will always remember the fun and laughs we had on our New York trip. I know she will be missed. Prayers to you and your family.
Dokie had a warmth that was unique. She was talented, funny, and a very cool lady. She made people feel special and valued. Nanny was glamorous and grounded at the same time. She inspired me to believe in myself and encouraged me in my pursuit of art. What a blessing she was to her family. It was an honor to know her. ❤️.
Dee a part of me died when you 💔 did. My heart is broken 💔 I pray that the family will heal together. Love one another. I miss you greatly, but knowing you are in Heaven makes it easier.
Please help the family get peace.
Dee was an amazing woman, and even a greater teacher. I have taken the things that she has taught me over my years, and I still decorate the way she taught me in a different tools that she taught me how to use. I just want to say she was a very grateful woman Teacher, and she will be truly missed.
My heart still hurts. I love her beyond words. My second Mom. Since I was 11 she’s been training me and what a great leader she was. Aunt Dee you deserved the world I’m so mad I couldn’t give it to you. Love you always. I dreamt of her so I Thank God for that. Ik she’s at peace. 😭😭
God bless you with the Peace that only He can give.
Love,
Jake & Wendy Whedbee
Calvin Pres.
She will be missed by many. Her charm and loving smile i will cherish! She always made me feel welcome and loved. Praise God, she is home and free of all sickness and hurts of this life. Love you always. Bonita-“Bonnie” Whitaker
Dee always made me feel welcome and loved! Her smile and warmth will be missed. Praise God, she is home and no longer is hurting. Love you always! Bonita-“Bonnie” Whitaker
Rick, Debbie and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God bless you and watch over you in this time of sorrow.
Lana &Art Hilton
We were so sorry to hear about Nana’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady and we have enjoyed talking to her over the years.
My prayers & condolences 💐 are with the family.
Rick, I was very sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie so sorry to hear that your Mom passed. I will always remember the fun and laughs we had on our New York trip. I know she will be missed. Prayers to you and your family.
Dokie had a warmth that was unique. She was talented, funny, and a very cool lady. She made people feel special and valued. Nanny was glamorous and grounded at the same time. She inspired me to believe in myself and encouraged me in my pursuit of art. What a blessing she was to her family. It was an honor to know her. ❤️.
Dee a part of me died when you 💔 did. My heart is broken 💔 I pray that the family will heal together. Love one another. I miss you greatly, but knowing you are in Heaven makes it easier.
Please help the family get peace.
Dee was an amazing woman, and even a greater teacher. I have taken the things that she has taught me over my years, and I still decorate the way she taught me in a different tools that she taught me how to use. I just want to say she was a very grateful woman Teacher, and she will be truly missed.
My heart still hurts. I love her beyond words. My second Mom. Since I was 11 she’s been training me and what a great leader she was. Aunt Dee you deserved the world I’m so mad I couldn’t give it to you. Love you always. I dreamt of her so I Thank God for that. Ik she’s at peace.
😭😭