Johnnie Ruth Knight

Johnnie Ruth (Williamson) Knight was born January 9, 1930, in Deemer, MS to John and Sadie (Spears) Williamson. She departed this world on October 13, 2021, at 91 years old, in Buckeye, AZ for a much-anticipated meeting with Jesus and reunion with her husband and other family and friends. Johnnie is survived by her daughter Phyllis Curtis (Mike) of Buckeye, AZ; her son Larry Knight (Brenda) of Brownsville, TX; granddaughter Austin Steveson (Blake) of Scottsdale, AZ; granddaughter Leigh Anne Knight of New York City, NY; granddaughter Karen Morven (Joshua) of Tolleson, AZ; grandson Jason Knight (Claudia) of Germantown, MD; and grandson Jeremy Knight (Kristen) of Brownsville, TX. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Vincenzo Prisinzano, Ryan Thomas, Santino Prisinzano, Dylan Thomas, Kayleigh Knight, Kaitlyn Knight, Hailey Thomas, Bella Morven, and Abbi Morven. Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Sadie Williamson, husband, Felix Knight, her brother Billy Williamson and wife, Willa, and her brother Herman Williamson, and wife, Louise. Johnnie was a member of First Baptist Church, Muskogee, and helped with Kindergarten Sunday School for several years. She always looked forward to Sunday morning services and could be seen sitting in the balcony. Johnnie graduated from high school at age 17 and was Salutatorian of her class. She went on to attend business college in Jackson, MS, where she met Felix Knight, a handsome, young Marine. They were married on June 5, 1951. Immediately after marriage they traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii, the first of many duty stations, until Felix's retirement in 1968. They were married until Felix died on October 26, 1995. Most of her life, Johnnie was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker but she was also a federal employee for several years at Tinker AFB and, lastly, at Ft Sill, Oklahoma in the Civilian Personnel Office. She enjoyed her work and was known to be punctual, efficient, and hard working. Johnnie and Felix raised two children and were blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Johnnie loved spending time with her family and enjoyed cooking for them. She was an excellent seamstress and an outstanding cook. The birthday dinners and holiday meals she prepared were always highly anticipated. Her dessert specialties were banana pudding, fudge pie, pink pie, and uncooked fruitcake. Johnnie was blessed with excellent math skills and a competitive spirit. Since childhood, she played keen games of dominoes and checkers and was difficult to beat. She thoroughly enjoyed card games as well, especially Rook, and had a knack for always knowing what had been played and by whom. Johnnie was an avid gardener and was known for her green thumb. Her yard brimmed with flowers and tomatoes were always plentiful. She enjoyed canning and sharing the fruits of her labor. Johnnie's favorite pastime was square dancing. She attended dances in other states and looked forward to traveling to South Texas to spend a week dancing and hearing new callers. She began square dancing in her forties and danced regularly until she was 89 years old. Her square dance friends were so dear to her, like extended family, and played an important part in her life. Their love and friendship helped lift her up to keep moving and dancing after the death of her husband. She never forgot that outpouring of kindness. A celebration of Johnnie's life and legacy will be 12:30P.M., Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Eric Fletcher officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

Johnnie Ruth Knight

January 9, 1930 - October 13, 2021