Jewel McKnight

Jewel McKnight, long-time English teacher in the Denison Independent School District, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 14, 2007.

Mrs. McKnight was born July 25, 1928 in Houston, Texas to Paul and Thelma Adams. She attended Jack Yates High School, then went to Prairie View University where she earned her B.A. degree in English. To further her education, she earned her M.E. degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Her 48 years of teaching included instruction at Terrell High School, McDaniel Jr. High, and Denison High School. Honors she received during her tenure were: Secondary Teacher of the Year — 1989-1990, and Teacher of the Month in 1993.

Jewel married D.D. McKnight on June 19, 1949 at Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, Houston, Texas. Out of this union two children were reared in a Christian home. She was virtuous woman who loved God, her church, and her family. Her price was far above rubies, according to her husband. Jewel served most of her married life as church secretary, Sunday School teacher, and gifted pianist.

Jewel is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Drewey D. McKnight, Jr.; Beloved daughter and son, Pamela Polk (Ben) and Steven McKnight, both of Sherman; Grandson, Ben Steven Polk (Kim) of Dallas, and a host of relatives and friends.

Mrs. McKnight is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Thelma Adams; Sister, E. Elizabeth Murphy; Grandmother, Priscilla Yancy; and her brother, Paul Lawrence “Bubba” Adams, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 19, at Parkside Baptist Church, 301 N. Lillis Lane in Denison. Reverend Randall Murphy of Houston, nephew of Mrs. McKnight, will officiate and Supt. Travis Alexander will serve as pulpit conductor. Burial will be at Cedarlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials for Jewel McKnight may be made in her name to the Viola Hilliard Scholarship Fund at the American Bank, or to the St. Emanuel Church scholarship fund at P.O. Box 1254, Denison, TX 75021-1254.

Family visitation will be held at the St. Emanuel Church of God in Christ, 831 Martin Luther King St., from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18. Public visitation will begin at 4 p.m. at the church.

Pallbearers will be Vincent Williams, Frank McGilvery, Ulrie Cassita, Barney Ruffins, Charles McGriff and Granville Walker.

Arrangements are under the direction of Angelic Mortuary of Sherman.