Mother Willie Knuckles

Mother Knuckles, age 86 of Racine, Wisconsin, departed this life Saturday, September 14th, 2024, at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mother was born January 3rd, 1938, in Coahoma, Mississippi to Dewitt Moses Hughes and Azzie Lee Johnson. There she grew up with her grandparents Walter and Flossie Johnson.

Willie moved to Racine in 1960. She was employed at St. Mary’s Medical Center as a Surgery Technician for 40 years 2 months and 9 days, retiring in 2004. She also worked in Avon and was well known as the “Avon Lady”, selling Avon and making many friends for 46 years.

She joined the Israel of God’s Church November 1st, 1963. She served as the Sunday School Secretary, M.C. for the church programs, cleaned the church on Fridays, and worked at the national meetings. Willie became a Mother of the church in August of 2009.

Willie also enjoyed traveling and had vacationed in all fifty states, as well as, eighteen countries including Greece, New Zealand, Australia and Spain. She was a faithful White Horse Rider until she was called home. She will be re-membered for her love and care of her family, friends, and those in need. Above all else, she treasured time spent with her family and church. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Angela B. Knuckles, John F. (Brenda) Knuckles, Lance M. (Christina) Knuckles; grandchildren, Jonathan Knuckles, Quinton Knuckles, Jennifer (Darrin) Biles, Jaylyn Knuckles, Jerricka Rogers, Camden Knuckles, Corrien Knuckles, Caine Knuckles, L.C. Knuckles II, Leevi Knuckles, Weshaun Creed, William Yancey, Temique Yancey, Amber (R.J.) Poe; great grandchildren, Kemari Biles, Jaiden Rogers, Kellen Biles,Tyson Knuckles, Treyson Knuckles, Lucca Knuckles. Leihlani Knuckles, and Leelyn Knuckles; along with a host of brothers-in-law, sisters in laws, nephews, nieces, as well as, her church family. She was proceeded in death by her grandparents, parents, daughter, Sheila D. Knuckles and son, Lloyd “L.C.” Knuckles.

Funeral services will he held Saturday, September 28, 2024, 11am at Israel of God’s Church W.H.A., 2017 Mead St, with Reverend Terrance Collins and Elder Pastor Reverend George B. Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday, September 27th at the funeral home 5-7 pm and Saturday at the church 10-11 am.

The family of Mother Willie B. Knuckles wishes to express our sincere gratitude to all our church family, relatives, and friends for all of your kind thoughts and deeds, as well as, your prayers, cards and flowers. The family extends a special Thank You to the staff at Columbia St. Mary’s ICU unit, Sis. Marjorie Andrews, Azula Snow, Kemari Biles, Jennifer Biles, Jaylyn Knuckles, Dea. Leo & Clara Turner, Sis. Beverly Graves, Jonathan Turner, Tony Lee, and the entire Israel of God’s Church. Also to her Daughter-in-Law, Brenda R. Knuckles. One of Mother’s last conversations with her she said, “You looking kind of cute.”