Mahlyn Vance Knott

Mahlyn "Vance" Knott, 94, of Mount Solon, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Blue Ridge Nursing & Rehab. He was born on February 12, 1931 and was a son of John Howard Franklin Knott and Cora Edna (Grinnings) Knott. Vance was a member of the Briery Branch Church of the Brethren. He served his country in the US Army. Vance was a member of the Collins-Hughes VFW Post and a past member of the Sangerville Towers Ruritan Club. He had worked at Cellenese, Shickel's, Staunton Fruit and Produce, Root & Todd and Mill Cabnet Shop. Over the years Vance helped build gas stations, and highway 33 between Harrisonburg and Elkton, but he loved woodworking. He was united in marriage on June 17, 1955 to Pauline Emelie (Shifflett) Knott. Surviving in addition to his wife are his daughters, Debra (Dana) Howdyshell, Cynthia (Gregory) Cummings, and Emelie "Labreeska" (Damon) Long; six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Herman Knott, John Henry Knott, and Everette Lee Knott; sisters, Ruth Surface, Vern Sheffer, Myrtle Knott, and Willadean Bodkin. A graveside service celebrating Vance's life will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Briery Branch Church of the Brethren Cemetery with Pastors Darren Howdyshell and Bob Johnson officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Dayton American Legion Post #27. Everyone is invited to bring a lawn chair for the service. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service in Bridgewater. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dayton American Legion Post #27, 3021 John Wayland Highway, Dayton, VA 22821 or the Collins-Hughes VFW Post #136, c/o Dallas Lam,87 Barger Ln, Mt. Solon, VA 22843. Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater.