Vivian (Piercy) Knight, passed away peacefully at 9:45 p.m. Jan. 17, 2024. She reached perfection with the loving support of her family, her amazing Compassus Hospice Care Team, and the wonderful staff and residents at the Courtyard Estates, Knoxville, IL.
Vivian born Aug. 26th 1925 to John and Maude Piercy in rural Cravat , IL. She was one of 5 siblings; Lloyd, Norman, Marilyn, and Ima Jewell. As a child, Vivian and her siblings attended a one room school house known as Pleasant Hill School. She attended this school from 1st – 8th grade and then attended Woodlawn High School and later Centralia High School in 1943. After high school she went to work for the IL Bell Telephone Co. in Centralia where she lived at the time. During this time she met the love of her life; Norman “Bud” Knight. They fell in love and married when he returned from serving in WW2, July 31st, 1947. Together they raised two wonderful children and created a loving family which includes; daughter Janet (John) Minnie, and son Bill (Ernie) Knight, 4 Grandchildren; Tricia (Jeremy) Kinnamon, Josh (Emily) Minnie, Emily (Donald) LaBona, Jordan (Lindsey) Knight; and 11 great grandchildren; Zoe, Max, Dilan, Wyatt, Nathan, Anna, Michael, Hopelynn, Jordan, Isabella, and Vivian. After marrying Bud, they followed his career with the railroad to Galesburg moving in 1957. She and her family enjoyed family vacations which included lots of camping often with family friends. Vivian was a faithful Christian who loved her church family at Bethel Baptist Church. Throughout her life serving in various capacities; Sunday school teacher, Hill-Toppers, many women’s ministries, and mission trips. She was also a dedicated volunteer for many years at the Galesburg Rescue Mission. She loved to read, counter cross-stitch, and work puzzles. After Bud and Viv retired, they created their own business through Bud’s love for woodworking. Often Viv stained, painted, helped craft, and sell all over the community. They even had a showroom in their basement where people would come to shop. Bud and Viv enjoyed traveling all over the states through bus trips and a memorable cruise in Alaska. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband. In her 98 years, Vivian experienced a lot and lived a wonderful life. Her family was her life and she loved all of her family. Although she faced many adversities and great suffering her faith never waivered. She often talked of her love for Jesus saying “I have been so fortunate and God has been so good to me.”
Private family services are planned. Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Rescue Mission. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.h-p-w.com
