Geraldine McKnight

Geraldine A. McKnight NORFOLK - Geraldine Anderson "Jerry" McKnight died Saturday, June 20, 2009, after a brief illness. She was a devoted servant of God, her family, her friends, and the community of Norfolk, where she lived the majority of her life. She was born July 9, 1918, in Baltimore to the late John Edward Anderson and Rose Kelley Anderson. She was a graduate of Holy Trinity High School and a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. For more than 50 years, she served as a volunteer at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center and was the manager of the gift shop for an additional 11 years. She also volunteered at Norfolk Catholic High School and Blessed Sacrament School where she taught kindergarten for four years. She was a member of the Josephine Taylor Circle of the King's Daughters, the Elizabeth River Women's Club, the Notre Dame Club of Southeastern Virginia, and the Restmere Garden Club. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harry Joseph McKnight Jr.; and her seven brothers and sisters, Capt. John James Anderson, Capt. Edward Anthony Anderson, Paul Joseph Anderson, Charles Arthur Anderson, Ruth Anderson Rothgaber, Margaret Anderson Tarrall and Rose Anderson Gowen. Mrs. McKnight is survived by her four children, Mary McKnight Violette and husband Thomas of Virginia Beach, Harry Joseph Mc Knight III and his wife Jody of Roanoke, Rear Adm. Terence Edward McKnight and his wife Lisa of Fairfax Station, Kathleen Ann McKnight of Virginia Beach; her seven grandchildren, Thomas Fernand Violette Jr., Lt. Cmdr. Michael Andrew Violette and his wife Courtney, Megan Cabot McKnight, Aimee Elizabeth Violette, Terence Edward McKnight II, Lt.j.g. Tyler Patrick McKnight, Patricia Kate McKnight; her two great-grandchildren, Charles McKnight Violette and Maryellen Elisabeth Violette; her dear nieces and nephews; and her favorite dog, "Rio." The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to her kind caregivers at The Ballentine Home as well as the select group of extraordinary doctors, nurses, and staff at Bon Secours Depaul Medical Center, who were so compassionate to her and worked tirelessly to provide her with comfort and dignity in her final days. The family will receive friends in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 6400 Newport Ave., Norfolk, Wednesday, June 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a Christian wake. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated by Father Joseph H. Metzger III, Thursday, June 25 at 11 a.m. followed by a burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Ballentine Fund, 7211 Granby St., Norfolk, Virginia 23505. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Norfolk Chapel, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.