BETTE JEWEL MCKNIGHT

Mrs. Bette Jewel Mcknight was born March 18, 1937 in Waelder, Texas to the parentage of James H. Cox Sr. and Mattie Gentry-Cox. 

On February 23, 2022 God called Mrs. Bette home to be at rest. She is preceded in death by her husband Collie Mcknight (married 21 years), her mother, father, 3 Children, Gregory, Brodrick, and Vanessa, 3 grandsons Robert Williams,  Robert Byrd  Jr. and Quintwan Byrd and 1 granddaughter Tearrani Jones.

Mrs. Bette was raised in Waelder, Texas, where she continued high school through the 9th grade. In 1991, well after starting her family, she went back to school to attain her G.E.D.  She was a dedicated employee giving her time and service graciously. Mrs. Bette worked as Financial Secretary from 1980-1982. After working as a Financial Secretary for 2 years she sought after a position where she could demonstrate her ability to lead others.  In 1966 she began working at Roegelein Meat Processing Company. During her tenure of 18 years she became the first African American female Department Supervisor, in 1982, where she trained managed and supervised new employees for. She resigned from the Meat Processing Company in 1988 and began to enjoy the company of the elderly in her new position as an Adult Care Provider. She then pursued her Health Unit Clerk certification and graduated  October 8, 1991.

 Mrs. Bette was a woman of class and elegance, she was loving and caring and she shared those qualities with anyone who had the privilege to be in her presence. She was a Christian woman with big faith. She was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren.  Anything they were a part of she was there to support.  She loved her family with every ounce of her heart and she showed it.  

 Mrs. Bette was a faithful member of East End Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Clayton Bouldin. She served faithfully in church through acts of service and monetary donations.  She later joined Starlight Missionary Baptist church, under the leadership of Reverend Dan Walker Jr., where she was honored to be considered Mother of the Church. Mrs. Bette was a dedicated member until her health began to decline. 

 Left to cherish her memories are: Big Mama Ethel Cox, 1 daughter Mattie Meichelle Byrd, 3 sisters Lamar White, Phebie Cox, and Marquita Cox, 2 brothers Otho McClain and James H. Cox III, 8 grandchildren Elizabeth Roberts, Robert, Darryl McKnight (Elizabeth), Tamotia Franks, Gunena Jones, Chaytan Mann (Victor), Leticia Cox-Battles (Hope), Freyda Winston (Curtis), Taetwan Byrd,  Freyda 16 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.