Margaret Knight

Margaret Knight, age 90, of Cartersville passed away on October 5, 2018. Margaret Elise Stiles Knight was born on May 7, 1928. The only child of Robert Mackay Stiles and Susan McGowan Stiles, Margaret was raised on the Stiles family farm on the Etowah River in Euharlee, Georgia. Margaret was baptized as an infant at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Cartersville.

Margaret graduated from Cartersville High School in 1946 and began her college education at Shorter in Rome, Ga. Margaret transferred to University of Georgia, joined the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and graduated from UGA in 1949 with a degree in English. She considered herself a member of the “Bulldog Nation” and kept detailed statistics of UGA football games. Margaret married Fred Walter Knight, Jr. on February 17, 1951. Margaret and Fred were married for 43 years. They are survived by: Frederick Walter Knight, III (Leigh), Susan Knight Walton (Bob) and Margaret Stiles “Marty” Knight. Margaret absolutely adored her grandchildren: Robert Stiles Knight (Meredith), Elizabeth “Bess” Kennedy Womack (Stephen), James Dyer Kennedy, III (Kristina), Lieutenant Stovall Whitney Knight (Meggin), Robert Mackay Kennedy (Rebecca), Caroline Knight Branch (Ryan) and Anna Elizabeth Walton. Margaret delighted in her great grandchildren: Gray & Elise Womack, Connor & Leland Knight, Elsie Marie Knight and James & Ford Kennedy.

Margaret cherished her many aunts, uncles and cousins. She enjoyed keeping in close contact with relatives and cousins in many states. Margaret was a student of history and felt proud of her family legacy in Bartow County and Georgia.

Margaret was a fun loving Mother and Grandmother. She was a Girl Scout Leader who loved swimming, hiking and sports with her family and friends. Margaret and Fred took their family on many sections of the Appalachian Trail and became bluegrass music enthusiasts . Margaret loved her church and worked in the areas of Christian Education, Fellowship, Pastoral Care and Music. Margaret especially enjoyed Vacation Bible School and Christmas Pageants – for which she sewed costumes for several years.

Margaret was an accomplished musician. She diligently practiced violin, guitar and mandolin. Margaret studied folk music and dancing at Berea College, Berea Kentucky, Warren-Wilson College, John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina and Davis-Elkins in Elkins West Virginia. Some of Margaret’s happiest times were traveling to music camps and festivals with her family and friends. Margaret said the best part of all her travels was coming home.

Margaret was a dedicated community volunteer. She was a past president of the Cartersville Service League, Church of the Ascension Vestry, Cartersville City Schools PTA, Etowah Valley Historical Society, Girl Scout Leader, Etowah Valley Humane Society, Founder Coosa Valley Dancers, Founding Member of Backporch Revival, Member Rome Orchestras.

In 1992 Margaret was awarded the Cultural Arts Heritage award at the Roselawn Arts Festival. The award recognized her contribution to the enhancement of the arts in Cartersville and Bartow County.

In her later years, Margaret cherished her Episcopal Church affiliation, worked at growing tomatoes, caring for her beloved cats, practicing her violin with intensity and found great joy in hostessing large family dinners on birthdays and holidays.

The Knight family extends deep appreciation to Dr. Jeffery Esslinger and Staff, Amedysis Hospice and especially all the wonderful people at Fite Living Centre for the loving care provided Margaret for many months.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at three o'clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 8th of October, 2018 at The Church of the Ascension with the Very Rev. Mary K. Erickson officiating.

Visitation will be held from one-thirty in the afternoon until three o'clock on Monday, the 8th of October, 2018 at The Church of the Ascension.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Church of the Ascension.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive is honored to serve the Knight Family in this difficult time.