Deborah Earley Knight

Franklin, VA – Deborah Earley Knight, age 83, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. After a courageous battle with Alzheimer's, she is now at rest - whole, healed, and embraced in eternal peace.

Born on March 14, 1942, in Ahoskie, NC, Deborah was the beloved daughter of Willie Merton Earley, Sr. and Isolind Slaughter Earley. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Gene L. Earley and Robert E. "Bob" Earley, and her sisters, Edith Jewell Earley and Hannah Earley Toler Lupton. She is lovingly survived by her husband, "E.B" Everett Buxton Knight, Jr. along with her three daughters, Denise Knight and her husband, Mark; Cindy Knight Story and her husband, Carroll; and Dana Knight Hyde and her husband, Eric. She is also survived by her eight cherished grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, her brother, "Bill" Willie Merton Earley, Jr., and a large extended family who will continue to honor her legacy.

From an early age, she carried a quiet strength, grace, and deep love for family that would define her life. She grew into a woman known for her beauty - both inside and out - her gentle spirit, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Deborah married E.B., the love of her life, and together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, building a home rooted in love and commitment to family. She was a devoted wife and a deeply loving mother who poured her heart into raising her daughters. Her greatest joy was her family, and she created a home filled with warmth, tradition, and countless cherished memories.

She was a proud and loving mother to her beautiful daughters, and nothing brought her greater happiness than watching her family grow. Becoming a grandmother, and a great-grandmother, was one of the sweetest joys of her life. She treasured each child deeply and delighted in their laughter, milestones, and presence. Her love was steady, patient, and unconditional.

In addition to her dedication to her family, Deborah worked for many years at Union Camp Corporation, from which she retired. She carried the same dependability and strong work ethic into her career that she modeled at home.

Deborah's quiet strength, compassion, and grace under trial were a testimony to the foundation she stood upon. Even during the difficult progression of Alzheimer's, her life continued to reflect the love she had so freely given. Though her absence leaves an ache in the hearts of those who loved her, her legacy lives on - in the faith she modeled, the family she nurtured, and the love she so generously gave.

Her life was a gift, and her memory will forever be carried by those blessed to call her Mom, Meme, Aunt, sister, and friend. Her love remains woven into the fabric of her family, and she will be forever in our hearts.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 1-4PM at E.B.'s Home, 303 West 4th Ave., Franklin, VA. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org