Doris McKnight

Thelma “Doris” Mills McKnight was born In Medina, Tennessee on August 17, 1922 to Hunter and Cassie Mills. As a young girl, Doris was curious and caring. She enjoyed playing with her friends and helping her mother around the house.

In 1947, Doris graduated from Belhaven College in Jackson, MS, a remarkable feat for a woman at that time. She went on to marry her sweetheart in 1948, William “Bill” McKnight, and together they raised two wonderful children, Bill and Betty, in south Atlanta after re-locating from Tennessee. She was a loving wife, involved mother, and loyal friend, from being a Girl Scout Troop leader to a regular host for Bridge and Canasta. She enjoyed entertaining and supporting those she loved.

Doris and Bill’s family flourished, and in her lifetime she loved and was known well by 5 grandsons, 4 great-grandsons, and 2 great-granddaughters. Doris was actively involved in her grandchildren’s lives, from sporting events to after-school care and intense games of Scrabble (that she always won, even well into her 90s).

In addition to her roles as mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Doris was an active and beloved member of both the College Park Presbyterian Church and Smyrna Presbyterian Church. She was a talented pianist and member of the church choir. Doris was always dressed to the nines with a beautiful smile and a welcoming demeanor that is remembered by all those who encountered her.

Doris’ legacy lives on in her children, Bill (Sarah) McKnight and Betty (Robert) White; grandchildren, Chris (Denise) White, Matt (Rosie) McKnight, Mark McKnight, and Dustin (Sara) White; and great-grandchildren, Alex White, Luke White, Owen White, Lila McKnight, Anna White, and Will White.

Doris is reunited with the love of her life and husband of 66 years, William (Bill) McKnight; grandson, William Brandon White; parents, Hunter and Cassie Mills; Brother, Tommy Mills; and many life-long friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Doris’ honor to the CURE Childhood Cancer organization.

A visitation for Doris will be held Friday, March 29, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Horis A. Ward - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Rd, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. A celebration of life will occur Friday, March 29, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 376 Fairview Rd, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. An interment will occur Friday, March 29, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Fairview Memorial Gardens, 164 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281.