Greenwood Springs—Eleanor “Ann” Ballard Knight, 89, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2020 from natural causes at Oak Tree Manor in Amory. Born in Detroit, Alabama on February 25, 1931, she was a daughter of the late Carl Ballard and Bertie Ellis Spruiell Ballard. She attended Byrd Elementary School and graduated from Hamilton High School in Hamilton, AL. She was also a graduate of Draughon’s Business College in Memphis. She married L.C. Knight on August 3, 1952 and together they had 3 wonderful children Debbie, Lola and Lee.
Ann was a strong woman. She was a devout Christian and a prayer warrior who professed her love for God to everyone that she encountered. She was a faithful member of the Splunge Baptist Church.
She and her husband L.C. moved to Kenosha, WI, where she worked for American Motors and Goodyear Tire. They moved back to Mississippi in 1971 where she worked for Pullman Couch and Kramco. In 1976 she became a full-time homemaker.
Ann loved to spend time with friends and family. She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 50 years, a member of the Daylily Club & Iris Club. She would occupy her time by watching the Wheel of Fortune, going to the beauty shop, making quilts, working in her flowers and anything artistic. She liked to listen to all county music, especially to Alan Jackson who was her favorite artist.
Her family was most important to her. She loved to fix family meals especially on Sundays after church. No one could cook any better than she did. She doted on all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, instilling in them the importance of reading the Bible and following God’s word.
In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her husband, L.C. Knight who passed away June 8, 1991, a grandson, Daniel Cates, her sisters, Flonoy Guthery and Tommie Lee Ray, and brother, Jim Ballard.
She is survived by her children: Debbie Knight Lay (John), Smithville, Lola Knight Cates, Amory, and Lee Carlton Knight, Splunge; Grandchildren: Heather Lay Hathcote (John), Smithville, John Michael Lay, Starkville, Lauren Cates Carnell (Brett), New Albany, Natalie Cates, Amory, Laken Knight and Jacob Knight, Splunge; Great-grandchildren: Eli, Will & Lillie Hathcote, Smithville, Jillian Lay, Smithville and Harper Ellen Knight, Splunge; Sister: Janice Tate, Hamilton, AL; Brother, Andy Ballard, Detroit, AL; a multitude of nieces and nephews; special friends, Judy Pratt, Jennifer Prather, John Nash, Terry Cates, Ana Maria Davis and Family.
A family graveside service for Ann Knight will be at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Detroit, Alabama on Thursday, May 14, 2020 with Bro. Mike Tucker officiating. Pallbearers will be Jacob Knight, John Michael Lay, John Hathcote, John Lay, and Terry Cates.
The family would like to extend their gratitude of the staff at Oak Tree Manor for taking so good of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Le Bonheur Children’s’ Hospital, P.O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174 or the Splunge Baptist Church, 60722 Splunge Road, Greenwood Springs, MS 38848.
Please share your condolence and memories with her family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.
We are praying for your family. Enjoyed all the years we went to Splunge Baptist Church with her and your dad. Ifnow there is anything I can do for anyone please let me know.