Jessie Lee Knight

Jessie Lee Knight (Jesse) was born on August 12, 1945, in Tarboro, NC. He was the 6th child born to the late James Andrew Knight, Sr. and Elnora Barnhill Knight. After a lengthy stay and illness in a Washington, DC nursing facility, Jesse entered eternal rest on Tuesday,

October 5, 2021, at the age of seventy-six.

Jesse received his early education in Tarboro, NC and he graduated from Patillo High School in 1963. Jesse also desired to see the world, which motivated him to join the U.S. Air Force in 1964. After an honorable discharge, Jesse joined the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department. He was also employed with the US Postal Service, but resigned to continue his education.

Jesse’s love of learning earned him a Bachelor of Science in Electronical Engineering. He later went on to acquire a Master’s degree from George Washington University in Engineering & Applied Science. Jesse received a second Master’s degree in Criminal Law at American University. He achieved additional certificates in Computer Science and the Japanese language. Intrigued with learning languages, especially Spanish and Japanese, Jesse relished the opportunity to converse in different languages with others.

Jesse had many interests; he practiced karate and was an amateur boxer before entering the US Air Force. In the 90s, he traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa to pursue humanitarian efforts with Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Jesse leaves to celebrate his life, his two sisters Mary Wiggins and Addie Gibbs; a host of nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.