Ellen Jean Sample Knightly

Knightly, Ellen Jean M. Sample affectionately known by many as “Granny Honey”, 82, of Tampa passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. She was born on November 4, 1929 in Belleville, Illinois to the late Jonathan Eugene and Anna Mary Berger Harris.

Ellen retired after many years of service as Area Head Baker for Palm River Elementary School of Hillsborough County Schools. God always was number one in Ellen’s life. She attended Harvest Time Family Worship Center and East Chelsea Baptist Church. Ellen’s passion was baking and decorating cakes for all occasions, specializing in the most beautiful wedding cakes. After graduating from Professional Clown College, she became Sam-Sam bringing joy to many children and adults. She also looked forward to cooking in a children’s summer camp year after year. Grannyhoney was later known as the neighborhood Candy Lady as she kept snacks and drinks while ministering to all.

She was predeceased in death by her son, Marion and daughter, Jan. Survivors include her son, Van Philip Jones and his wife, Peggy; daughters, Evon Jenkins, Pat Stuckey, Kay Jones, Mary Lunsford and Jane Benz; daughter-in-law, Brenda Sample; brothers, Eugene Harris and his wife, Donna and Roger Harris and his wife, Joyce; sisters, June Harris, Karen Ervin and Kathee Harris; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 22, from 7-9 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 23, at 11 AM both at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, Brandon. Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Ellen was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend, she will be deeply missed.