ROCKINGHAM — Julia Elizabeth Greene Knight died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.
She was born in Montgomery County to Dan Greene and Effie Baucom Greene on Nov. 16, 1927, one of 10 children. She lived her adult life in Richmond County, until five years ago when she moved to Sandy Ridge Memory Care in Candor, North Carolina.
Julia attended school in Montgomery County and graduated high school at the age of 16, a fact she was always proud of.
Julia literally bumped into the man that would become her husband at the Hamlet train station as John C. Knight was stepping off a train after returning from World War II. They were married for almost 60 years and enjoyed opening their home to family and friends.
She was employed by Sandhurst Hosiery Mill (subsequently Hanes Corporation) where she was a faithful and conscientious employee for 30 years. Julia consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, and she taught this value to her sons. After retiring, Julia became an active volunteer with the Richmond County Literacy Council, where she taught scores of people to gain the wonderful ability to read. She also volunteered with Our Daily Bread in Rockingham.
Julia is preceded in death by her husband, John C. Knight; and her eldest son, John Phillip Knight.
She is survived by her younger son, Dean Knight, and his wife, Bonnie, of Haywood County; her brother, Allen Greene of Wadesboro; her brother and sister-in-law, Brooks and Cheryl Greene of Richmond, Virginia; and her sister and brother-in-law, Alemeda and Gene Tucker of Hartsville, South Carolina. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Deborah Knight; three granddaughters, Keri Cook, Regan Knight, and Mary Catherine Moree; and eight great-grandchildren.
Dean wishes to thank the staff of Sandy Ridge Memory Care, who lovingly cared for Julia until her death.
Due to current public health issues, a private, graveside service will be held with immediate family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richmond County Literacy Council at 316 E. Washington St., Rockingham, NC 28379.
Condolences may be made online at www.carterfuneral.net.
