Mary Nell Knolton

Mary Nell Knolton, age 91, a longtime resident of Columbia, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 17, 2026, at NHC Columbia.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 11:00am until 1:30pm at Heritage Funeral Home, which is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mary was born on February 24, 1935, in Columbia, Tennessee, and was the daughter of the late Herman Franklin McKinney and the late Suely Fitzgerald McKinney. She dedicated thirty years of service to ICP in Lewisburg. Mary found joy in life’s simple pleasures—tending to her garden, especially growing tomatoes and flowers, and traveling to the beach. Above all, she cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her life.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Connie Dick; grandchildren, Kayla (Brandon) Reeves, Bonnie (Jacob) Dean, Chris Dial, Amanda Dick, Sarah (Ronnie) Rivera, Rob (Lauren) Dial, Brian Smith, and Andrew Smith; 11 great grandchildren; and her faithful furry companion, Mitzy.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children, Janice Smith and Steve Dial; and her siblings, Evelyn Mills and Larry McKinney.

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