Charlene Knight

Charlene Ann Knight (nee Schilmiller), 92, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024 at Baptist Hospital in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Charlene was born on October 3, 1931 in Harvey, Illinois to Charles and Marie Schilmiller. She married Joseph Knight on January 23, 1954, in Louisville, Kentucky and they went on to have five children. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her kindness, generosity, and her grilled cheese sandwiches. She was a devout Catholic, and an active member of St. Ann Catholic Church, including as a longtime member of the Altar Society.

For many years, Charlene and Joe enjoyed traveling the country in their motorhome, and were part of multiple motorhome clubs. Together, they reached the remarkable goal of visiting every state capital in the continental United States. In addition to traveling, Charlene was an accomplished square dancer. She loved being a homemaker, but once her children were grown, she began a twenty-year career at H&R Block.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 70 years, her children Kathleen Merritt, Gary Knight (Kristeen), and James Knight (Elizabeth), son-in-law James Leopard, her grandchildren Greg (Crystal), Scott (Kim), Amber (Weston), Victoria (Jeremy), Megan (DJ), Mark (Kristiaän), Matthew, Adrianne (Evan), Nathan (LesLeigh) and Kaitlyn (Nate), as well as fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Cornelia Reynolds, her son Robert, her daughter Sharon Leopard, her son-in-law Michael Merritt, and her daughter-in-law Elaine Knight.

A funeral service to celebrate Charlene’s life will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze. She will be buried at Barrancas National Cemetery, and a reception will follow at noon at St. Ann Catholic Church.

The family would like to thank the staff at Baptist Hospital and Emerald Coast Hospice for their compassionate care during Charlene’s illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a local charity of your choice in Charlene’s name.

Please join us in celebrating Charlene’s life and legacy. She will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts.