On July 9, 2015, Bertha Mae Maddrey Knight, our dearly beloved “Mama Knight,” passed away in East Pavilion. Mama Knight was born on Feb. 10, 1922, to the late William and Lucy Maddrey. She was the last survivor of their 12 children. At a young age, she married the late Rev. John Linwood Knight. They became the proud parents of 10 children and one foster child. In addition to her husband, Mama Knight was preceded in death by three sons, Frank, Jefferson and Matthew; foster daughter and spouse, Brenda (James) Brown; and daughter-in-law, Janice.

Mama Knight leaves to cherish her memory four sons: Bobby Knight Sr. (Audrey), of Suffolk, Dr. Woodrow Knight (Alice), of Upper Marlboro, Md., Dr. Ernest Knight (Brenda), of Franklin, and Jessie Knight Sr., of Suffolk; three daughters: Sylvia Dixon (Harrison), of Gloucester, Dr. Regina Mason (Earl), of Chester, and Maryland Roberts, of Carrsville; daughters-in-law, Mary Knight, of Carrsville, and Ivery Knight, of Suffolk; 32 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mama Knight spent her last five years at East Pavilion, in Franklin. There she enjoyed gospel singing, quilting, playing bingo, traveling to Riverdale Elementary School to read to young children, and sharing treats with the other residents and staff.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Pulaski Baptist Church, 6431 Carrsville Highway, Carrsville. The remains will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Knight’s Family Cemetery. Professional services with dignity entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home.