Sue Roberts McKnight, 83, beloved child of God and servant of Christ, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2023 at Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis with her family by her side. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Bardie Thaxton Roberts and Ruth Robbins Roberts of Hazlehurst, MS, and by her beloved husband, Rev. William Edwin McKnight of Jackson, MS.
Sue was adored by all who knew her, and the world is certainly a better place because of her. Sue was born in Hazlehurst, MS, graduated from Hazlehurst High School, and graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. with a degree in history. She retired from teaching after a long career in Lexington, KY, Atlanta, GA, and for 36 years at Jackson Academy in Jackson, MS. She touched the lives of thousands of children and their families, and she would want all of her students to know that she loved every one of them, even though she made them show their work and conjugate verbs.
In 1960, she married the love of her life, Bill McKnight, and she was the perfect partner with him as he ministered to congregations throughout the state of Mississippi in his role as Regional Minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Sue is survived by her daughter, Susan McKnight Kenny (Kevin) of Memphis, TN, her son, William Roberts “Rob” McKnight (Leigh) of Bellefontaine, MS, three grandchildren, David Ghilchrist Kenny (Leeanne) of Collierville, TN, William Griffin McKnight (Brooke) of Pearl, MS, and Ashleigh Jordan “AJ” McKnight of Starkville, MS, and by her brother, Bardie Thaxton Roberts, Jr. (Diane) of Baton Rouge, LA. She loved them deeply, along with her nieces and nephews, Natalie, Tre’, Hadley, Andrew, Stephanie, and a host of cousins and friends. She provided all with wonderful memories that are a comfort in this time of mourning.
She always cared for others in both spiritual and tangible ways. And, even in her passing, she gave to others in need by being an organ and tissue donor.
Sue was a member of the Church of the Holy Apostles (Episcopal) in Collierville, TN.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Sebrell Funeral Home in Ridgeland, MS, followed by a graveside service at 2:30 PM at the Edwards Cemetery in Edwards, MS.
Her family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Howard Nease and the entire medical teams at Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis and the Mid-South Transplant Foundation for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests that memorials be sent to Baptist Memorial Healthcare Foundation (bmhgiving.org), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org), or to a charity of one’s choice.
Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before whom live all who die in the Lord: Receive our sister Sue into the courts of your heavenly dwelling place. Let her heart and soul now ring out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer)
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