Ellen Doris Knight of Fort Walton Beach, FL, passed away on December 28, 2020, to be welcomed home by her savior, Jesus Christ. She was born June 8, 1941, in Birmingham, AL, to Homer and Mary Henderson. The family later moved to Panama City, FL, where she attended Millville Elementary, Everitt Junior High and Bay High School. Doris always took pride in her academics. She was an active band member, playing the clarinet, as well as a member of numerous other school organizations. In 1958, she met the love of her life, Willie G. Knight, a love that lasted 55 years until his passing. With Willie being in the Air Force, they followed assignments all over the nation and world, such as Dyess AFB, Eglin AFB, Hurlburt Field and Wiesbaden, Germany. Doris raised their two sons, Mike and Joel, and worked, while also putting herself through college. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education and later her Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. She was a dedicated Kindergarten teacher and taught for over 30 years, the majority at Oak Hill Elementary. Doris loved teaching children. As a member of Wright Baptist Church, she always looked forward to Vacation Bible School and other church events. She also enjoying singing in the church choir.
Doris was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Okaloosa County Retired Teachers Association, active Wright Baptist Church member, Choctawhatchee HS and FSU band/football fan, and friend to all. She loved the holidays, traveling, shopping, dining with friends and family, helping others, and enjoying life.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, William (Homer) and Mary Henderson; husband, United States Air Force CMSgt (Ret.) Willie Knight; and son, Joel Knight. She is survived by son, Mike Knight; and grandchildren Kevin Knight and Heather Knight; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
The family wishes to thank her wonderful friends close to home that helped Doris to continuing enjoying a wonderful life after the passing of her husband. Also greatly appreciated is the amazing team at Belvedere Commons for their love, support, and great care of Doris in 2019-2020.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 11:00am at Wright Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach, followed by a funeral service at 12:00pm. Interment will take place at Beal Memorial Cemetery. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com/tributes/Ellen-Knight.
Published in Northwest Florida Daily News from Jan. 3 to Jan. 8, 2021.