Elizabeth Jane McKnight

Elizabeth Jane Clinton McKnight was born on September 16, 1921 and passed into her eternal home on November 7, 2022. She was preceded in death by her baby girl (Bette Ivone, January 18, 1955- August 15, 1956) and her husband James Allan McKnight (July 22, 1921- April 10, 1970). She is survived by her daughters, Sarah Baden and Flora J. Zimmerly. Her sons, James R. McKnight and Gene A. McKnight. 16 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 3 great- great grandchildren. The eldest of 11 children, she is survived by 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

Elizabeth came to the United States from Ireland through Ellis Island in 1924 with her mother, Sarah Jane Clinton and her sister, Sarah. (Her dad, Roberts Charles Clinton, had preceded them in 1923.) She became a naturalized citizen in 1929, and graduated from Doylestown High School, PA in June of 1941. After a year in the WAVES, she was married to James McKnight on August 29, 1948. They both attended Bob Jones University, graduating in 1951. She and her husband were commissioned by New Tribes Mission in 1953. In July of 1954, they arrived in “West” Brazil to serve as missionaries.

After the passing of her husband, Elizabeth returned to “West” Brazil to teach missionary children in 1971. She also taught for a school in Chihuahua, Mexico (1987/1988) before returning to Brazil. This time, she taught missionary children in “East” Brazil. In 1998, she retired and served as a volunteer at the New Tribes Headquarters in Sanford, FL. Most recently, she has resided in memory care near her son, Gene McKnight and his wife, Rebecca, in Chattanooga, TN.

The will be a memorial service at a later date.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.

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