Charles Knight

Life’s Reflections

Charles Knight, 90, a cherished Father and Husband, was called to his eternal resting place on May 1, 2024. He was born on April 13, 1934, in Osceola, Arkansas, to Essie “Jack” Knight and Jessie Bridgeforth Knight. His early life was marked by his education at Rosenwald School and his early acceptance of Christ at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. At age 16, he journeyed from Osceola to St. Louis, where he lived with his brother Maine, then to an independent life in New Orleans, and eventually to Chicago in 1959. There, he met and married his beloved wife, Willie Mae Knight, in 1966. Their union blessed them with five children: Thomas, Glenda (Benny), Vicky (Darnell), Yolanda, and Xavier; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandson.

Throughout his life, Charles was ambitious, hardworking, and a relentless problem solver for his family. He took his first job when he was just 7 years old. Driven by a desire to be his own boss, Charles ran several businesses. Even after “retiring” as an independent contractor for the City of Chicago, he didn’t stop. When he moved to Memphis, he started a landscaping business, finally retiring at the age of 83, a testament to his unwavering work ethic and determination. Charles loved baseball. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed watching the Saint Louis Cardinals, his favorite team. Go Redbirds!!!

Charles was a committed man of God with an unwavering faith. While raising and supporting his family in Chicago, he found solace and strength in his church community. He joined Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon, and later became an Usher at Truth and Deliverance Christian Center. His faith journey continued in Memphis, where he joined New Growth in Christ Christian Center, also serving as a Deacon. Charles lived his life in accordance with his favorite Psalm 34. He was a living example of verse 1, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips,” and verse 14, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” His faith was not just a belief, but a way of life that he embodied.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents: 5 brothers, Harry, Willie B., George, Odell, and Ted; and 5 sisters: Jenny, Clyde D., RuthAnn, Rose, and Essie.

He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy; his beloved wife of 58 years, Willie Mae, all of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandson, his sister Ophelia Anderson of Chicago, Illinois, brother-in-law John Robert McKay (Diane) of Maywood, IL, sisters-in-law, Josephine, Martha, and Sarah (Dennis), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Charles held a special place in his heart for his nephew Mose, his niece Gwen (aka Susie), his niece Florence, and his dear friend Milou Carson.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God, their Savior.

Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.

‘Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of Glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory Psalms 24

Order of Celebration

Saturday, May 11, 2024

11:00 A.M.

New Growth In Christ Christian Center 7550 E. Shelby Drive • Memphis, Tennessee 38125

Bishop Sidney P. Malone, Senior Pastor

Processional.......................................................................................The Family of Mr. Charles Knight

Scripture Readings:

The Old Testament..............................................................................................................NGIC

The New Testament.............................................................................................................NGIC

Reading of Obituary..........................................................................................................Benny

Family Expressions

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Xavier Knight

Thomas Knight

Vicky Knight

Yolanda Knight

Family & Friends

Acknowledgements/Resolutions.....................................................................................................NGIC

Musical

Recessional

From Your Loving Wife

Charles. Mr. Knight. You are the husband I prayed and asked God for. Even though things didn’t go perfectly for us in the beginning, through prayer and fasting, God intervened, and things changed for the better. You took good care of me and our children. You were my husband, my friend, my prayer partner, and the man I loved. I miss you. But I thank and praise God that you are not suffering anymore. All is not lost. I will see you again. You are in my future now.

Love,

Your Wife

Willie Mae

Dad,

Although I know God never puts on us more than we can bear, I am finding your passing difficult to bear. I am going to miss your warm hugs, heartfelt words of advice, and prayers for me and my family. I will be forever grateful for your love and guidance. The pain and suffering are gone, and you are resting comfortably. I thank God for allowing us to be in your presence while celebrating your 90th birthday. Your physical self may be gone, but the spirit of your love and memories are forever in my heart.

I love and miss you, Dad.

Your Daughter, Glenda

LTributes oving

Dad,

You are simply extraordinary. Your voice, your presence, your actions, your achievements were so BIG and BOLD! You lived as a doer, not a doubter. You expressed your love through problem-solving and provision, your joy through great stories, jokes, and contagious laughter, and your care by calling and showing up consistently.

Right now, I am both proud and heartbroken. You lived a remarkable life. You were my hero, a giant to me in many admirable ways. Already, I miss your physical presence here with us. But I am comforted that you are with God, our Heavenly Father, who I know welcomed you with “Job well done!” You leave us with your spirit and a powerful example of how to live. I promise to honor your legacy and make you proud as you now watch over us with the Lord Almighty.

Your Daughter, Yolanda

On May 1, 2024, my Dad, Charles Knight, went into the arms of God. I had the kind of relationship daughters long to have with their father. I’m really going to miss our Sunday Morning phone calls with Dad. We had lots of laughs, and he was always, “Better than Good”.

I wish more people could have had a Dad like Mr. Charles Knight. *If you are one of the favored few, thank God. And if your father is still alive, thank him, too.* We watched Dad be an extremely hard-working man, stopping at nothing to provide for his family. No sacrifice was too big to make.

Dad, you have always protected us. You taught me to be tough when I need to be, defend myself, and work hard for what I want.

To Mom: Thank you for never giving up on us and for your unconditional love. The Dad we got was because of the Wife you were. Thank You. Together, we are strong, and we will keep going.

Goodbye, Dad. I love you last, and I’m thankful you loved me first.

Your Daughter, Vicky

*What are you doing today that your children will remember fondly tomorrow?

My Paw Paw,

The first person to give me a job and teach me about earning money. I will always remember organizing your Rolodex and putting your driver’s names and companies in alphabetical order. Thank you for all of the loving memories.

Love Forever, Kiana

Dear Paw Paw,

I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I don’t have enough words in my vocabulary to even begin to say how much you were my example to be a hard worker, to be a father, to be a husband, and most importantly, to be a MAN. You said so much with so few words. I am proud to have known you and privileged to have been your grandson, so as the tears stream down, I’m hurting because you are not with us anymore.

-Leon Knight

You had one huge personality that was hard to forget. As I’m sitting here holding my son, I’m thinking about the memories of you I want to share with him. Memories like, me sneaking to sit in your favorite maroon recliner chair while you were using the restroom or in the kitchen. Turning the TV channel from your baseball game or Western when I thought you were asleep. Our morning drives to school. You letting me go inside your new 18-wheeler to check it out. (That mattress in the back was surprisingly comfortable). Oh boy, I’ll never forget the times I would come into the kitchen and I would ask you what you were cooking and your responses would vary from rabbit, raccoon, or deer. You know, I really thought you were joking, but I look back now, and I realize with your southern roots, you probably really were cooking those animals. I will always remember how you loved your salad with the 1000 Island dressing and how, no matter what, that dressing would end up in your beard. It’s memories like those that mean so much to me, and I am so grateful that I had the luxury of going downstairs just to hang out with you. You and Grammy are the anchors in this family. Although you may not be physically on earth with us, we all know God has given you an even more important job as our Guardian Angel. I will make sure to share my many memories of you with your great-grandson, EJ. He will know just how important you are to me and what you meant to our family. This still isn’t a goodbye; it’s a see you later or a till next time! Love you, Paw Paw!

- Candace

From your Extended Family

I know enough about your father to understand he would like us to celebrate his life, from his ups & downs...to his smiles & frowns. I haven’t seen him since I was a child, but he always seemed like a very strong & well-grounded old man. His handshake was very firm, and you would believe anything he’d say. He told me he had a monster truck, and all I had to see was that tire on the side of the house, and I believed it. I will remember him as that smooth old man that I truly admired. I wish I had more time with him. I never had a grandfather other than him and Poppa James, so I will forever keep the memories of him in my heart and mind. Until we meet again. I’m sure he will pull me close and ask me where’s the money I owe him (a joke he used to greet me with) ...so thank you, Auntie Glenda, for marrying my Uncle Benny so I could share memories about your family. I love you very much.

-Jacob

To my favorite father-in-law, whom I love from the top of his head to the tip of that big toe of yours. RIPOP

-Benny

~ Acknowledgements ~

The family wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Bishop Sidney P. Malone, Elder Myrtle Malone, the pastors, our church, family, and friends for the many prayers, messages, and phone calls of comforting words. Your expressions of love and support during this time were very much appreciated. Thank you, and may God bless all of you.

The Family

~ Honorary Pallbearers

Milou Carson

Darnell Morris

~

Benny Dorsey

Mose Sanders

~ Active Pallbearers

Terrell Knighten

Thomas Knight

John Dorsey

~

Theodore Knighten, Jr.

Xavier Knight

John Robert McKay

~ Committal Rites & Interment

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Monday, May 13, 2024 • 11:00 A.M. Whiteside Cemetery North Pearl St. Osceola, Arkansas 72370

Distinctive Services by

www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com

“There’s