Rev. Edward McKnight

Rev. Edward McKnight,92, of Cleveland, OH formally of Liberty, MS departed this earthly life on January 31, 2022, at his residence. Visitation Saturday February 5, 4:00pm until 6:00pm at Peoples Undertaking Co. Graveside service will be 12:00 noon Sunday February 6, at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery Rev, Jehue White Pastor with Rev. Kenny McKnight officiating. Rev. Edward McKnight was born February 22, 1929, in Liberty, Mississippi to the late Curtis and Annie E. McKnight. He was the oldest of ten children born to that union. He graduated from the segregated public school system in Liberty and after his marriage to Katie M. Stepter, he and his wife relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1951. In Cleveland, Edward and Katie started a family, and he began welding and fabricating metal. For 35 years he was employed by Weather Tite, a glass manufacturer in Ohio, and he often boasted of never missing a day or being late. Welding was his vocation, but his passion was the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Edward attended Central Bible College and received a degree in Theology. He was first in his family to attend College. After graduation, he began teaching at Baptist School of the Bible. In the mid 1960's, Edward became an assistant minister at Progressive Baptist Church and upon the untimely death of its Pastor, Edward became Pastor and served in that capacity for the next 52 years. Under his leadership, the church expanded and was relocated. He initiated a building fund, and a bus ministry. The church operated a bus ministry that served what Edward saw as underserved communities where children and families were brought in for Sunday services, weekday choir rehearsals, and vacation bible school during the summer. Summers were also made for gardening. Edward grew up on a farm, and in Cleveland, he had gardens in multiple locations around the city. For him life was bountiful with opportunities and possibilities. He'd admit to having met some very strange people in the course of his life, but he never met a stranger. Edward never withheld his infinite words of wisdom; he was always willing to listen. He was a gifted storyteller and his presence and personality were larger- than-life. Edward McKnight loved the lord and was truly a man of God. He was preceded in death by his father Curtis Sr., mother Annie, four brothers: Leonard (Nadine), TS, Sylvester, and Thomas. two sisters, Audrey "Emma" and Wilma Dean. He is survived by his wife of 70 years Katie. He leaves to cherish five children, Zelma Philpot (Edward), Samuel, Gail, Valarie, Terrence (Ashley) his great grandchildren, Riczad, Maliah, CJ,Dana, Damon, Deseray, his three brothers. Curtis (late wife Azzie), Melvin (Toni), & Obydee (Marlene), his sister Yolanda, two sisters-in-law Jean and Crystal, his eight grandchildren, Dr. Darwin, Chas, Jason, Zachary, Darion, Tyra, Ezra and Zyla, his great aunt Mildred, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and relatives. Edward will always be loved and remembered by bis family and friends for his kindness, generosity, and passion for souls. His smiling way and serious face: Are a pleasure to recall: He had a kindly word for each; And died beloved by many. Some day we hope to meet him: To clasp his hand in a better land: Someday we know not when; Never to part again. Our family circle has been broken; A link gone from our chain; But though we're parted for a while; We know we'll meet again. We shall meet with many a loved one That was torn from our embrace: We shall listen to their voices; And behold them face to face. Sunshine passes, shadows fall; Love's remembrance outlasts all. We will continue to follow the CDC guidelines, Mask and Social Distancing will be required upon entering the facility. Services entrusted to Peoples Undertaking Co. Condolences can be shared at www.peoplesundertakingcompanyinc.com

Rev. Edward McKnight

February 22, 1929 - January 31, 2022