Shirley "Bernice" Blackburn Knight

Shirley “Bernice” Blackburn Knight entered the gates of Heaven on November 24, 2023  and was met by our Lord Jesus Christ. She was born in Jackson County, North Carolina on October 7, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Andy and Lois Bumgarner Blackburn. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her niece, Carole Sue Blackburn.

She is deeply missed by her family. She is survived by her loving brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Phyllis Blackburn; her daughter, Andrea Leigh (John) Cantrell; her grandchildren: Kailee Alicia Cantrell and Ethan Andrew Elijah Cantrell; great-grandchildren, which held the sparkle in her eyes, Austin Elijah Blackburn Cantrell and Adeleigh Grace Cantrell; her nieces, Lynn (Brian) Harron and Susie Hampton; and great-nieces Faith and Ansley Harron and great-nephews Clint Harron, Andy Hampton and Alex Hampton.

A graduate of Glenville High School, she went on to graduate from Western Caolina University with an Associates Degree in Business. She then moved to South Carolina where she lived with her cousins, Ray and Edna Moody, and later with JoAnn Yeargin and her family while she worked in the office at Winn-Dixie. She moved back to the mountains and began working at First Union Bank in Brevard. She later started working at Ecusta in the rod department and worked her way up to Manager of the insurance department.  After retirement she found herself unable to sit still so she worked at K-Mart and Wal-Mart for a short time. She went on to work at Transylvania regional Hospital in the E.D. department until she retired again, at age 80.

A proud member of First Baptist Church in Brevard, always put God first in her life with family close behind. She was a strong, independent person. Her family will miss her, but she now has a Heavenly body. “Absent from the body, present with the Lord,” we rejoice and find comfort in that.

She also leaves behind two special, long-time friends: Mary Dean and Mary Osborne. The family would like to thank Dr. Dale Nash and his staff for their care and love and Arnetta Martin and Eric Weyman for their commitment to helping her during the last five years. Thanks also to two caring individuals who touched her life: Megan Chester and Bonnie Dawsey.

At her request, there will be no public service. A private graveside at Pine Creek Baptist Church Cemetery will be held at a later date.

To leave a memory or condolence for the family of Shirley Knight, please go to the on-line registry at “Tributes” at www.mooreblanchard.com

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.