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On Sunday, November 25, 2018, Delina ‘Kay’ Thomas Knowles passed away peacefully at the young age of 54. She was a loving daughter, sister, Mama, Gammaw, friend, and fighter.
Kay was born in Fayetteville, NC, to James and Lynda Thomas on August 28, 1964. In the same city, she was raised alongside her younger brother Jay Thomas – whom despite shooting her in the leg with a pellet gun, she loved very much. On November 18, 1989, she married Christopher Keith Knowles. Together they raised a daughter, Taylor, and a son, Tommy, in the city of Cumming, GA.
She was a lover of many things – light pink nail polish, KFC chicken livers, and most of all, her family. She enjoyed spending summer days on Lake Lanier, taking family trips to Pensacola Beach, and pit stops for Bruster’s ice cream (2 scoops of Birthday Cake with extra blue icing). She had an infectious smile and unwavering faith.
Kay’s memory lives on in her mother and father, brother, two children, and 2 grandchildren – along with countless number of loving relatives, close friends, and 2 granddogs, whom she often (yet lovingly) referred to as ‘furry carpet loungers’.
To celebrate her life, Kay requested a memorial service in her hometown. The service will be held in Fayetteville, NC, at Cedar Falls Baptist Church on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 1:00pm. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last days – the many rides to/from treatment, phone calls, handwritten cards, and messages will not be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and kind words may be left in Kay’s online guestbook below. Georgia Cremation, 3570 Buford Hwy #202, Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 584-0914 is assisting the family.
Pamela Bennett says
Delina Kay Knowles, you will be missed! Although I haven’t seen you in a few years I so enjoyed your posts on FB. You were such a good neighbor and great friend. I can’t help but smile when I think of all the great times we had together on Jordan Narron Rd. You always had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh…you are a beautiful person inside and out and you will shine in Heaven ❤️
Susan Schilling says
Kay was such a sweet soul and had quite the sense of humor. I saw her a couple of times while she was sick and she still had a big smile on her face. Loved working with her. Sending lots of love to her friends and family.
Gail Jackson says
I did not know Kay as well as others, but I do know she had the biggest smile and a gracious demeanor. To her family and friends during this time, you will all be together again one day. I do know Kay will be missed by all her co-workers here at US Security Associates.
April Cummings-Perry says
Rest in Heaven Kay! May the memories of you live forever in our hearts. Praying for peace and comfort for the family during this difficult time…. For God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4).
Carolyn Johnson says
Kay was such a beautiful, sweet soul inside and out. Gone too soon. No matter how long since our last contact with each other over the years we always picked up right where we left off. Sweet memories from elementary school through high school. Prayers of comfort and peace for her dear family.
Kathy & Jimmy Jones says
I never got the opportunity to meet Kay but felt in so many ways I did as I knew so much of her family here in NC, and go to Chuch with some of those where Kay will be remembered. I prayed and lifted Kay and her family up many many times and knew how very much she went through and all of you as well. She was a very couregeous joyful lady from so many things I have been told by her cousin Lisa and her Aunt Jackie. They surely loved her so. Kay certainly touched the spirit of so many souls here on earth and she will be missed here by so many that loved her so very much. Prayers continue for you all as you walk this journey together.
Marge Glider says
We are so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing but we also know she is in Heaven with a heavenly body like Jesus. May God give your family strength and comfort as you go through this hard time.
God bless you, Marge and Dennis Glider
Angie Parkerson says
I, along with so many others prayed so hard for Kay’s healing. Our prayers were answered in a complete healing for her, but not the way we wanted. I worked with her brother, Jay, for many years and her mother and dad used to bowl with us. I know her aunts very well also, and my heart and love goes out to the whole family.
Cathy Miner says
My dear sweet friend…..I am going to miss you. Friends since Jr High School-42 years now. I will treasure the memories and never forget you. Your laugh and infectious smile. Your passion for standing up for what’s right. Your love and faith in our Heavenly Father. The love you had for your family. Our long talks on the phone and texts. I will miss those. Shine bright in heaven like the beautiful soul that you are…forever watching over your loved ones! So long for now, my friend, until we meet again….I love you.
Michelle Osborne Tyndall says
Kay will be missed by so many of us. Me,Kay and Jay all started our friendship at Superman Playland nursery. She always had that infectious smile on her face and always something kind to say to anybody. My prayers go out to the families and I will always think of and miss my childhood friend.
Glenda Fields says
I am so sorry to hear this news, my thoughts and prayers are with Kay’s family and friends during this difficult time.
James Johnson says
Heaven is gaining a true angel. I wish I would have known. Such a sweet person through and through. Love you and miss you Kay. You will be missed my friend.
James Parrish says
Condolences going out to family members and may she rest in peace. Always so polite and kind.
Missy Ham says
I say a prayer for your family. Your sweet beautiful light will be missed in this world . Peace be with you friend .
Janice Owen says
I love this entire family. James, Lynda and Jay my love and prayers are with all of you. Kay was a dear special friend. We have shared so many memories from our early childhood to our adulthood. I know Kay is rejoicing in Heaven and is no longer in pain. I love you all! Janice
Scott A. McLean says
Peace be with you, Kay. You were such a kind and loving person. You will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Rest in peace, my beautiful friend…..
Amy Sturtevant says
I am so sorry to hear this news! I have many happy memories of playing doubles with Kay on the tennis courts at Hampton. She always had a smile on her face and a hug for a friend. I will miss seeing her at FBC but rejoice that she is pain free and healed in heaven with our Savior.
Terry Gomez says
So very sorry for this huge loss. Kay had a beautiful spirit about her. Our Prayers and Condolences for all her family. Billy & Terry Gomez
Cathy Weller says
No matter what this sweet girl faced, she did it with grace. She had a sweet spirit that lit a bright light in this world. She will be missed by so many. Rest In Peace with the Lord that you loved so much.
Susan Whitaker says
Kay and I had long conversations discussing this disease of cancer and our battles to fight. Her spirit and faith always made an impression…what a sweet girl! I will miss you. Sending love and prayers to her family.
Randy Podobinski says
You were a Great friend to a lot of us especially in high school. We all know that you are in Heaven and we will see you again. Say hello to Jesus for us.
Todd Burnette says
Growing up with Kay & Jay was such a great time. She will surely be missed. Such a lovely and sweet lady. She could always make you smile.
Susan Sasser Gaudioso says
I didn’t know Kay well, but got to know her more through Facebook. Such a beautiful woman with a sweet soul. Praying for all of the family.
Rita Houston says
Heaven has gained another angel. Such a dear sweet person. My love, prayers and condolences are with your family. Rest In Peace with God, now Kay .. until we meet again.
Tammy Burnette Wolfe says
Kay, always had such a good heart and beautiful person inside and out. We grew up together on Billard Circle, Fayetteville, NC.
I remember playing tag football with the neighborhood kids in the field next to your house. My younger brother went to school with you and Jay. My heart breaks for your family. Sending prayers and condolences! Heaven has surely gained an angel!! With Much love and respect .
Melanie Lyons says
Heaven gain a beautiful and caring angel. She was a thoughtful and caring friend. She will be missed. My condolences to her entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hilda Weiler says
We loved Kay as a dear friend and staunch lover of Southern Gospel music and particularly The Glory Boys. She already is missed very much. We admired her deep faith and unwavering “no matter- it will be fine”. Rejoice in the beauty of Heaven and watch for the rest of us.
Dennis and Hilda Weiler
George Buie says
Kay had the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known! I’ll always Cherish our memories together! There is no doubt she’s in heaven! Rest In Peace my friend! I’ll be seeing you
Janene Blackwell Hairr says
To a wonderful person and friend. Very kind soul. You will be missed.
Sally Black says
I remember Kay from school many years ago she was a very sweet person and always had a beautiful smile. She will make a pretty angel and my prayers go out to her family. But there is no more pain and suffering in heaven just happiness.
Mary Price Majors says
What a strikingly beautiful and heart warming, kind, caring, young woman from fantastic parents and family! Kay is in now in no pain. My hope is that the family finds comfort knowing how much Kay and the whole family are loved and respected. Kay and Chris’s children are especially blessed to have really been loved, and that is the gift they will always have. Kay will always be with us in the spirit of love.
April Sandi says
You will be missed Kay. I never will forget that road trip to Florida when I was in high school! You were such a strong and convicted woman and I always respected you for that. Rest In Peace. ❤️
Anita Benson says
Heaven gained a beautiful angel! Kay was a very sweet person. My thoughts and prayers for the family and friends.
Rodney & Karen Hartman says
I did not know Kay but go to church with Lisa and her aunts. We certainly have been praying for her however prayers were answered in a way different from what we wanted. God has healed her completely and she suffers no more. We will continue to lift the family up in prayer for comfort and peace. I wish there was more I can say about this precious soul who left this earth way too soon.
Beverly Sparks says
Kay was the sweetest person you could ever know. No matter what was going on in her life she always had a smile on her face and that her faith would guide her through. I worked with her for 6 years and she taught me a lot about my own life. A true friend that will be truly missed by all that knew her.
Cindy Osborne says
Heaven called a Angel home. Praying for your family.
Pat Elliott says
So happy your body is free of disease now and you are enjoying your first Christmas in Heaven with the One who gave us life! Loved our chats at Zaxbys with Greg and you after church on Sundays!
Pat and Dave Elliott
Robert & Vonda Lindsay says
I am so sorry to hear this news, my thoughts and prayers are with Kay’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Hilary Threatt says
I am sorry to hear of our loss of Kay. She was a sweet and wonderful woman. She is whole again and in a better place. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that will miss her.