Lillian Arlene “Lily” Knowles, age 81, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 16, 2025 after a brief illness.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford Tillman Knowles and Nancy Manita Wager Knowles, sister Barbara Kathryn Knowles Bowen, and brother Clifford Kent Knowles. Siblings left to cherish her memories are Vivian Lucile Knowles Schnabel (Ronnie) and Nancy Mary Knowles Nydam (Neal) of Lake City Florida, Cheryl Annette Knowles Meshaw (Mike) of Wilmington, NC, Carlton Eugene Knowles and Emil Dwain Knowles of Green Cove Springs, FL and Gwenda Lynn Knowles Trapp (Brian) of Madison, GA. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed spending time.
Lily was born on August 10, 1944 in Green Cove Springs and graduated from Clay High School in 1963 where she was an active member of the 4-H club serving as president in her senior year.
Soon after finishing high school, she moved to Denver, Colorado and enrolled in Parks Business School and later in the community college in Aurora, Colorado. Upon completion of her studies she was hired by Mountain Bell Telephone Company. She received a number of awards and commendations for her work retiring after twenty-five years of service.
Lily loved to cook and enjoyed doing so for her church family and her friends. Her hobby was browsing thrift stores to collect antique glassware. She had quite a collection which she enjoyed.
Lily became a Christian at a revival meeting in 1967. She was a faithful member of Aurora Hills Church where she served as she was needed.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life for Lily on April 25, 2026 at Grace Missionary Baptist Church on County Road 315C (Spring Bank Road). Visitation will be from 10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Mike Meshaw and Gaines Wise. Burial will be at Spring Bank Cemetery following the service.
