Thelma Deloris Hardin Knight, also known as “Dee”, peacefully passed away Wednesday, March 13th, 2022, at her home surrounded by her Loving Family. She had valiantly fought cancer for almost the last 10 years with the support of her family, friends, medical staff, and a strong Christian faith. Born at home in Beech Creek Kentucky on Oct 6th, 1939 to her coal mining Father Lyndell and her loving Mother Thelma Burke Hardin.
Dee and Donald spent the beginning of their lives together in Indiana, where Dee had several careers, the last being an office manager for ophthalmologist Dr. Carmody, and volunteering for Neuropsychologist Dr. Pueshcel helping create a warm, loving, and caring program for patients and supportive families of Head Injuries. After moving to Texas in 1988, Dee and Donald became members of a great community at Country Place, where they became activities Directors for the community of people that became great friends to them both. Dee worked at the Country Store as Assistant Manager and the Golf Pro-shop in Country Place. God and Family held the highest importance to Dee. God was centered in her life, and she was very active in her church and the churches that she and Donald helped seed over the course of her life. She loved having dinners and gathering with family and friends whenever possible. Holidays were always celebrated as a group of family and friends. Anyone who Dee met, became family. The Dr.s, nurses, CNA’s, medical facilities, Hospice and all the staff that were involved in the care of Dee, have a special place in the hearts of Dee’s family for the never ending energy they provided to support Dee in her fight. Two very special people in Dee’s life were Dr. and Friend Stephanie Campbell and friend, companion, family, and care giver Marion Ryan-Coughlin, who both fought tirelessly to give Dee the best of life that she could have. Her smile, her laugh, her open arms for hugs, her love, and her physical presence will be missed by all.
Survivors include her high school sweetheart and husband of 65 years, Donald Knight of Pearland Texas; son, Phillip Knight (Karen) of Pearland Texas; grandson, Cullen Knight of Austin Texas; granddaughter, Erin Melody Knight of Pearland Texas; daughter, Linda Darlene Horn (Lee) of Valparaiso Ind.; grandson, Bradley Horn (Daisy) of Indianapolis Ind.; granddaughter, Samantha Horn (Charles) of Evansville Ind.; granddaughter, Breanna Horn (Danielle) of Valparaiso Ind.; sister in-law, Bonnie Knight Harris of Ennis. Dee was the first of three children and is survived by her siblings and their families, sister, Linda Faye Dolezal (Joseph) of Willowbrook Ill.; nephew, Brian Dolezal (Kate), and great nephews, Kyle and Logan of Darien Ill.; brother, Ray Hardin (Marsha); nephews, Matthew Hardin and Ryan Hardin of Madisonville. All three siblings and spouses were able to vacation together in Alaska and another time in Hawaii where they created such great memories.
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to mom and dad’s church which is building a new church facility and needs playground equipment for the kids in the Mothers Day Out progam. Go to redeemermanvel.org/give select “make a one-time gift”, put the dollar amount in that you want to donate. Select Redeemer Campus, and then select “Memorial/undesignated projects (Capitol Projects)” and the monies donated will go to the children’s playground equipment in Mom’s honor. Celebration of Life services for Thelma Deloris (Dee) Knight will be April 23rd, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. at First United Methodist Church 2314 N. Grand Blvd, Pearland, TX. 77581 281-485-1466
