Freda Maggard Knight of Memphis, TN, died peacefully on May 17, 2023. Born on October 5, 1926, to Dave and Ina Maggard in Grayridge, MO, she and her six sisters spent their childhood in Meridian, MS, before moving to Memphis, where she and her husband Walter H. “Hank” Knight (dec.) raised four children. After graduating from Memphis State University, she enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a nurse at the Veterans Hospital. She attended Advent Presbyterian Church and especially loved her Sunday School class.
Freda is survived by her four children, Linda Kay Bridgewater (Johnny), Walter H. “Butch” Knight, Jr. (Jan), Robert “Bob” Knight (Angela), and Jack Glenn Knight (Susan); her sister, Bernice “Snookie” Knight; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.
An avid short story writer and poet, Freda will be remembered as a creative storyteller, a caring mother, and a loving grandmother. She had a contagious competitive spirit and never let anyone win a board game or a card game, no matter their age. If you won, you earned it. Her great sense of humor was always on display, whether she was delivering a punchline or laughing at one. An early fitness enthusiast, she was intentional about fueling her body through regular exercise and nutrition, and she shared her wellness knowledge with family and friends. Freda loved nothing more than spending time with her family, and they will miss her dearly.
Memorials can be made to the West Clinic or the Ronald McDonald House, two organizations Freda volunteered for over the years.
A private graveside service will be held for the family on Monday, May 22.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Knight family.
