Betty Jewel Knight

Betty Jewel McClesky Knight was born on June 27, 1946 to JC and Aline McClesky. She was the oldest of three children and was considered the “Miss Goody-Two-Shoes” of the family. She was born in Quanah, Texas, grew up in Chillicothe, Texas through the 8th grade when the family moved to Shamrock, Texas, where she graduated from High School in 1964. She went on to graduate from Texas Woman’s University in 1968 with a BS degree in Education. She married Edwin Leo Knight on June 5, 1971. They had three children, Eddie, DaiAnn and Shelly.

Teaching was a very important part of Betty’s life and she taught school for 35 years. She started her teaching career in Amarillo in 1968. She then taught in several Texas public schools including Dallas, Slaton, Kermit, and Alpine, retiring in 2004. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Iota – a teacher sorority, Texas Retired Teachers Association, Athenian Study Club, Slaton Art Club and Slaton Women’s Chamber of Commerce. She also enjoyed spending time on Friday mornings with her “Ya-Ya’s”.

Betty’s faith remained strong throughout her life. She was a member of the Baptist Church in every community she lived in and was involved in church choirs and Sunday School at each church she attended. She loved to plan and give parties for her Sunday School classes. She also loved crafts and was very creative. Betty sewed most of her daughters’ clothes when they were young. She was known for her talent in the kitchen. Not only was she a wonderful cook, she also enjoyed creating beautiful cakes for her children and grandchildren, and planning meals for her family during holidays and gatherings. Betty loved spending time with her cousins. Last, but not least, Betty loved Elvis Presley and was a devoted fan her entire life. Many remember her Elvis impersonations in school pep rallies.

She is preceded in death by her parents JC and Aline McClesky. Left to carry on her legacy is her loving husband of 48 years, Edwin; children Eddie Knight and wife Colleen of Sweeny, TX; daughter DaiAnn Mooney and husband Darien of Grapevine, TX; daughter Shelly Pritchard and husband Matt of Frisco, TX; grandchildren Capt. Michael Knight, Brighid Knight, 1st Lt. Jacob Knight, Mariglyn Hoff and husband Klayton, Caitlin Knight, Zak Knight, Kyler Mooney, Madison Mooney, Jack Pritchard, and Andrew Pritchard; sister Phyllis Howard and husband Pat of Frisco, TX; brother Bill McClesky and wife Joan of Grapevine, TX; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Betty was loved here on earth and will continue to be remembered through all time and eternity.

The family would like to thank the caretakers and staff at The Cottages at Chapel Creek and Total Hospice and Palliative Care for the loving care they provided for our wife and mother.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

-Joe & Kelly Sparkman Scholarship Fund

c/o Martha Turney

10513 CR 7540

Slaton, TX 79364

-Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org