Betty Jean Strickland Knowlton, 87, of Patterson, passed away late Monday evening, July 8, 2024, at her residence.
Born in Patterson, January 30, 1937, she lived in Pierce County most of her life. She was a 1955 graduate of Patterson High School and went on to graduate from Georgia Teacher’s College in Statesboro. She worked as an educator before staying at home to raise her family. She went back to work for Patterson Elementary School as a teacher and later as the librarian. She retired in 1999.
She had a servant’s heart. She passionately served as a faithful member of Laura Chapel Baptist Church. She wore many hats over the years at Laura Chapel having been a Sunday School teacher, vacation Bible school director, adult choir member and director, and longest standing nursery keeper. She was also a member of the Adult Ladies Sunday School class.
She also gave her heart and soul to Patterson Elementary School. Her love of reading and understanding the importance of having children read at an early age helped numerous children over the years. One such student was able to let her know just how much that lesson meant to her by now teaching children just like Mrs. Knowlton taught her. It was truly a full-circle moment.
She was a 100% hands-on mom when it came to her children or grandchildren participating in sports whether it was helping with the Patterson Eagle cheerleaders, basketball or softball.
She enjoyed cooking, baking and candy making for family and friends. She also loved to fish, to travel and spend time at the beach with her family. She was a big sports fan and never missed a chance to cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs or the Pierce County Bears.
She wore many hats in her lifetime, and all were worn with such grace, kindness and love. She has definitely earned that extra jewel in her Heavenly crown and her family has a treasure trove of memories that will last a lifetime.
She was a daughter of the late Andrew Jackson and Isabelle “Bell” Dixon Strickland Sr. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Dorsey Ross Knowlton and a brother and sister-in-law, Andrew Jackson “A.J.” and Diane Strickland.
Survivors include three daughters, Millie (Bert) Walker, Blackshear and Jill (Brian) Dowling and Starr (Noel) Harris, all of Patterson; two sons, Dorsey Ross “Buddy” (Amy) Knowlton, Blackshear and Len (Duce May) Knowlton, Santa Rosa Beach, FL; three sisters, Genevive Pope, Patterson, Patricia (Eddie) Cox, Brunswick and Angela Strickland, Patterson; a brother, William Daniel “W.D.” (Susan) Strickland, Patterson; nine grandchildren, Cliff (Ellen) Knowlton, Megan Dowling, Allie Dowling, Hayden Knowlton, Mallory (Brandon) Price, Jackson Knowlton, Gunnar (Mackenzie) Knowlton, Asher Harris and Rosston Harris; six great grandchildren, Blythe Knowlton, Grier Knowlton, Coleman Price, Ross Knowlton, Gentson Price and Cypress Knowlton and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Friday, July 12, at the Laura Chapel Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, July 12, from the Laura Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Daniel Harris, the Rev. Tim Rowell and Jake Dixon officiating.
Interment will be in the Strickland Cemetery.
The family kindly requests members of the Adult Ladies Sunday School class as well as the Adult Choir and the Patterson High School Class of 1955 to serve as honorary pallbearers. Please meet at the church by 3:30 p.m. Friday.
Memorials may be made to the Laura Chapel Baptist Church Missions Fund, 4814 Laura Chapel Road, Patterson, GA 31557 or to the Patterson Elementary School Library, 3414 Drawdy Street, Patterson, GA 31557.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
