Cover photo for Merline Hooks Knight's Obituary
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1935 Merline 2024

Merline Hooks Knight

July 26, 1935 — December 25, 2024

Merline Hooks Knight, age 89 of Woodberry passed away on December 25, 2024, at Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock, AR surrounded by family. She was born July 26, 1935, in Banks, Arkansas, to Melvin and Ruth Dailey Hooks. She was a dedicated life long-time member of Woodberry Baptist Church.
She dedicated many years to her career at General Dynamics before retiring. Afterward, she continued to serve her community for 26 more years at the Calhoun County Courthouse. Known for her boundless grace and generosity, she had an infectious smile that made everyone feel at ease. Her presence was a constant source of comfort and joy to her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.
Her love for family knew no bounds. As a devoted sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Merline's legacy of compassion, patience, and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her home was a haven of warmth, laughter, and delicious meals—a place where everyone felt welcome and cherished.
Merline is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James W. Knight; two sons, Doug, and Dane Chandler; sisters Patsy Loomis, Marilyn Pitts, and Lois Green; and brothers Smead, Louis, Bill Edward, and Merl Dean Hooks.
Those left to celebrate her homecoming and cherish her memory include her siblings Joe Frank Hooks, Cecil Hooks, Marion Hooks, Peggy Morgan and Morris Jeffreys; a son, Stacey (Gina) Chandler of Woodberry; a daughter, Dee Dee (Paul) Owens of Fordyce; 9 grandchildren – Amanda Chandler, Coy Chandler, Tabatha Schneider, Toni White, TJ Chandler, Melissa Rowe, Ryan Haynes, Chandler Haynes, and Marina Thurmon; as well as 10 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Coy Chandler, TJ Chandler, Ryan Haynes, Chandler Haynes, Jimmy Rowe, and Paul Owens. Honorary pallbearers are Eli and Caleb Chandler.
Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Woodberry Baptist Church with Bro. Robbie Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merline Hooks Knight, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

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Visitation

Monday, January 1, 2024

6:00 - 8:00 pm

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Funeral Service

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Starts at 2:00 pm

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Woodberry Baptist Church

, Fordyce, AR 71742

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