Joyce Diane McKnight

Ms. Joyce Diane McKnight, daughter of the late Albert McKnight and Elsie Horton McKnight, was born February 11, 1956 in Roanoke, Virginia. She attended the public schools of Salem, Virginia and joined the United States Marine Corp in 1976. During her service, she completed her Associates Degree from Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, CA. After her military service, she completed her undergraduate degree from Hollins College in 1981. Joyce went on to have a successful career in both the grocery and healthcare industry, working for Food Lion, Carilion Clinic, and retiring from the Towers Kroger after 18 years of service in October 2018. She was an avid fan of John Denver and Josh Groban, and enjoyed vacationing in Colorado at least once a year. She also enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway in her free time. She volunteered for the Red Cross and at the VA Center in Salem. She was an active member of the National Wildlife Foundation, Audubon Society, Appalachian Trail Club, and the Hollins Outdoor program.

Joyce is preceded in death by her father, Albert N. McKnight; her mother, Elsie H. McKnight; and her brother, Dwain N. McKnight. She is survived by her son, Sean J. McKnight; daughter-in-law, Arianna C. McKnight; and two grandchildren, Brynn N. McKnight and Grady R. McKnight.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joshua Gazo, nurses, and staff of Carilion Roanoke Memorial, 10 West, for the care that she received and the doctors, nurses, and staff at the VA Medical Center in Salem.

Though our hearts are broken, we can rejoice in the promise that we will one day be reunited because of what Jesus said: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.

A private service will be conducted at a later date.

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