PEKIN ~ Eva Mae Gentry Knight, 87, of 2220 State Street, passed away at 7:50 p.m. Monday, February 4, 2008 at Timbercreek Rehab and Health Care in Pekin. Born March 18, 1920 in Hickman, Tennessee to Alonzo and Vera (Nabors) Gentry, she married Waller Knight in 1962 in Lewistown. He died in 1993 in Peoria. Surviving are three sons, Melvin (Shirley) Gentry of Pekin, Larry (Tracy) Manning and Ronnie (Carla) Manning, both of Peoria; eleven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Evie Sue Agee of Sunnyland. She was preceded in death by her parents, one stillborn daughter, Barbara Manning, two brothers and one sister. A homemaker, Eva enjoyed her flowers and spending time with her family. A private funeral will be held at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Dowice Ashley will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Fellowship Church 110 East Main Street, South Pekin, IL 61564.
