Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Gerri McKnight

Feb 27th, 1939 - Feb 24th, 2020

     Alma Geraldine “Gerri” McKnight, age 80, of Flora, Illinois, passed away early Monday morning, February 24, 2020, at Flora Gardens Care Center.

     She was born February 27, 1939, in St. Louis, Oklahoma, the daughter of Preston Lawrence and Rosie Ellen (Morris) O’Donley.  She was united in marriage to Robert W. McKnight on September 19, 1958, in Grayville, and together they shared 50 wedding anniversaries together until his death November 29, 2008.

     Gerri leaves a lifetime of love and memories with her kids and grandkids.  She will be remembered for her good cooking and also how she enjoyed tending to her flowers and plants, especially discovering new varieties to transplant into her flowerbeds.  She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Flora where she had participated in the Friends Class and other activities over the years.  Gerri had retired from working at Halliburton after 23 years.

     She is survived by a daughter: Tina (Brad) Briscoe of Flora; a son: Rob (Angie) McKnight of Flora; 4 grandchildren: Christina Sisk of Flora, Matthew (Lindsey) Briscoe of Arlington, TN, Sarah (Nick) Brashear of Centralia, and Amber McKnight of Flora; 4 great-grandchildren: Ariana and Ryan Sisk, Gabriel Brashear, and Austin Briscoe; and a brother: Jimmie (Carol) O’Donley of Yuma, AZ.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Bob McKnight; and 2 sisters: Elva Lou Pottorff and Rosetta Risinger.

     A Celebration of Life Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 27, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Flora, on the day that also commemorates what would have been Gerri’s 81st birthday.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, and on Thursday from 10 until 11 a.m. at the church.  Memorial donations are suggested to either Clay County Cancer Crusaders or Operation Christmas Star, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com