Retha Mae Kirkland McKnight gained her wings on Monday, January 23, 2023 at the age of 86. She was born on July 18, 1936 to Rosa McMillian and Houston Montgomery in Excel, Alabama. She was raised in Monroe County by her adoptive parents, Phillip and Katherine Kirkland. Sister McKnight was a dedicated member of Amity Missionary Baptist Church. She served for many years until her health failed. As a faithful member of Amity, over her forty plus years of membership, Sister McKnight served on the Usher Board, Nurse’s Aide and Culinary Ministry. When she wasn’t at church, you could find her in her yard tending to her plants and garden.Sister McKnight was a calm spirited, God fearing woman that loved her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton McKnight; parents,
Rosa McMillian and Houston Montgomery; her adoptive parents,
Phillip and Katherine Kirkland; two stepsons: Milton and Steven
Speight; sisters: Edna Pryear, Johnnie Mae Kirkland, Lavern McMillian
and Lily Broughten; and brothers: Henry James and Willie A. McMillian.

Sister McKnight leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted daughter,
Janice K. Weeks; granddaughters: Charon Kirkland of Atlanta, GA,
Jennifer Weeks of Jacksonville, FL and Vanessa Weeks of Mobile, AL;
five great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson; sisters: Salonie
Betts of Pensacola, FL and Dora Lee McMillian of Youngstown, OH;
brothers: Willie C. (Dorothy) Kirkland of Pensacola, FL and Jerry
McMillan of Galt, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other
relatives, friends and church family.