Mr. Joseph McKnight of Hudsonville, Michigan, transitioned from this life on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Health Bridge following a brief illness at the blessed age of 93 years. The Lord looked and said, “Come my child,” the time is here for you to be at peace. He was born May 30, 1928, in Gloster, Mississippi, son of the late Jonah (Felicia Pickney) McKnight.
Deacon Joseph McKnight was a great and wonderful man who loved the Lord. He was very active in the church, having served as president of Young People Willing Workers “YPWW” and as a prayer warrior. Deacon McKnight always demonstrated forgiveness, humility, patience, and self-control. He emulated the character traits of Jesus. Joseph could always be found helping and supporting in the church and throughout the community. You could always count on him. He lived for those teachable moments.
Joseph was employed at the Chevrolet Grey Iron Foundry for 26 years. After his retirement he became self-employed: snow plowing, plumbing, hanging drywall, and just being a natural handyman. Joseph and his wife, Lillie, owned many rental homes and apartment units throughout Saginaw. They gave many people and opportunity to become homeowners and were former members of the Saginaw Landlords Association.
Joseph’s hobbies included barbequing, fishing, farming, gardening, playing checkers, and enjoying time with family and friends. Believing and holding the scripture Philippians 4:13 in his heart, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” encouraged and helped him to live an amazing and incredible long life.
Joseph leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Yvonnia (Titus) Bowman, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ta’Kiea and Na’Kayla McKnight, Saginaw, Michigan; three sons, Demetrius (Angelia) McKnight, Hudsonville, Michigan, Lavise Hood and Christopher Brown, Saginaw, Michigan; ten grandchildren, Shawanta and Joseph McKnight III, Saginaw, Michigan, Frank (Drica) McKnight and DaMarcus (Mika) McKnight, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dominique, Ashanti, and Da’Kari McKnight, Hudsonville, Michigan, Har’Monie and Hayden Zissler, Saginaw, Michigan; fifteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Biegia Ike (Luna) McKnight; special nieces, Sherron (Tony) Lee, Shirley and Sophina McKnight (family); special nephew, Percy Parham Jr.; goddaughter, Tiffany Pruitt; many other relatives and friends.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie Anna McKnight “LA,” parents, Jonah and Felicia McKnight; sons, Joseph McKnight Jr., and Felix McKnight; daughter, Lena Mae Willis; grandson, Demetrius McKnight Jr.; brothers, Leroy, Antwine, Jerry, and Sherman McKnight; sisters, Adell Jones, Jannie Jackson, Catherline McKnight, and Reloa Laphand.
The family would like to express special thanks to All Nation Prayer Tower COGIC, Metro Health Hospital of Wyoming, Michigan, Elder Jerry and Rose Myles of Greater Ephesians Church, Pastor James and Charlene Snead, Rhema Empowerment COGIC, Wyoming Michigan, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel, and most of all, our family and friends for the love and support shown to us during this time. May God richly bless each of you. Thank you! The Family.
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