Shirley M. Knight

1938 - 2026

Shirley McQuaig Knight

February 24, 1938 – January 29, 2026

 

Shirley Ann McQuaig Knight of Center Hill, Florida, departed this life for Heaven on January 29, 2026, at The Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, Florida. She passed away a few weeks shy of her 88th birthday.

 

Shirley was born on February 24, 1938, to Jessie “Cap” and Ida Jones (nee Drawdy) in Mascotte, Florida, where she grew up as the youngest of six siblings. After graduation from Groveland High School as Class Valedictorian in 1956, Shirley went to work in the office of B & W Canning Co (citrus) in Groveland which was later sold and became Florida Select Citrus. When this plant closed, she went to work at Silver Springs Citrus in Howey-in-the-Hills the very next day, not taking a single day off between the two jobs. In addition, Shirley also worked part time at the Orlando Auto Auction for a time, while still working full-time in the citrus industry. Shirley retired in 2012 at the age of 74.

 

Shirley married Doyle McQuaig in October 1958. They had two children – Jeaniene and Carl. Their family trips often included camping, fishing, and spending time at the beach. Shirley lost Doyle suddenly in 1989 months after their 30th wedding anniversary. After being a widow for 9 years, Shirley went on a blind date with a pastor, Don Knight, who had also lost his spouse. Don and Shirley were married in November 1997, with a wedding party comprised of their children and grandchildren. Don and Shirley were together until 2015, when Don was unexpectedly called home by God. During this time, Don served at various churches and many new friends were added to Shirley’s circle as she accepted and embraced her role as a pastor’s wife. It was her passion to help others and make sure everyone knew about Jesus.

 

She liked to work hard and play hard and she loved to travel – cruises, visiting the mountains, family vacations, including a trip to Canada with her sister and other family in 2019 (2 sets of 3 generations on the trip). She enjoyed reading and watching her Rays play baseball. However, her favorite times were those spent with family – especially following her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by attending games, dance recitals, rodeo…she loved it all.

 

Shirley was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She could connect with anyone and had a gift for making people feel loved and special everywhere she went. Her first night in hospice, she had 24 visitors – 3 sets of 4 generations in the room and another 3-generation family. You know she was loved when the hospice team said some of the visitors must return later for exceeding the visitor count. Her caring and loving soul will be deeply missed.

 

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Jeaniene (Keith) Tyson; son Carl (Stephanie) McQuaig; her grandchildren, Jenna (Todd) Brady; Brianne (Derek) Baker; Cody (Taylor) McQuaig and Mason McQuaig; her great-grandchildren, Callie, Kylie, Kennedy, Khloe, Ty, Colton and Oakleigh; her sister, Ila Mae Thomas, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and friends – all who will cherish her memory forever.

 

She was predeceased by her husbands Doyle McQuaig and Don Knight; her parents, Jessie “Cap” and Ida Mae Jones; sister Willa Faye Carter; and brothers Wilbur Jones, Clarence Jones and Glenn Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Shirley’s memory to https://ml4.org/
to assist in research of this genetic disease.