Miriam Whitley Knight
Miriam Whitley Knight, known as “Whickey” to her friends, and “Mimi” to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully at the Peyton Hospice House on October 3, 2026.
Born January 11, 1927, in Lima, OH, to Edith Kelley and Roland Bernard Whitley, Whickey lived her early years in Alexandria, VA. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA, and received her Masters of Education from Curry School at the University of Virginia in early 1970. As a student at Mary Washington, she met her beloved husband, Edward Dana Knight, Jr., while he was attending Law School at the University of Virginia. They were married at Christ Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA. She taught elementary school briefly in Charlottesville before moving to Charleston, WV.
Whickey lived a full and active life. She was involved in many organizations and activities, often being the spearhead and leader. In Charleston, she and Ed were members of Kanawha Presbyterian Church, where generations of Knights had attended. They later joined Old Stone Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg, WV, when they moved to Tuscawilla, the family farm, in 1962. She loved singing in the choir and attending her Church Circle. She served as an Elder.
Following Ed Knight’s death in 1980, Whickey continued to operate Tuscawilla Farm.
Whickey was very community-oriented and believed in being involved and giving back to her community. She loved singing in the Charleston Light Opera Guild, acting in the Civic Center productions, and working with the Red Cross. In Lewisburg, she became a founding member of Hospice, helped form Head Start, and worked with the library. She highly valued education and considered life a journey. Every day was a new adventure. She served on the Board of Visitors of the University of Mary Washington and was on the Committee for the Preservation of Governors Manse in West Virginia.
Along with her contributions to the community, Whickey loved playing croquet, skiing, tennis, bridge, and was a world traveler. She was a member of the US Croquet Association and instrumental in introducing croquet to The Greenbrier. She was a Master Gardener and member of the Lewisburg Home and Garden Club.
Whickey was a gracious entertainer and held many gatherings at Tuscawilla, her favorite being her Christmas Party after Christmas Eve Church Service. She enjoyed meeting new people, introducing them to her friends, and sharing her home and formal garden. Her gardens were often on Garden Tours.
Whickey is survived by her children, Dana Knight Henderson (Bill), Edward Dana Knight III (Anne), John Whitley Paxton Knight; her grandchildren, Dana Kelley Yancey (Matt), William Knight Henderson (Rachelle), Andrew Paxton Henderson, Edward Wallace Knight II (Alex), William Raleigh Knight (Hollynn); and great-grandchildren, Whitley, Hunter, Kellan, Rylan, Dolly, Teddi, Lane, and Charlotte.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staffs at the Seasons Place and Peyton House for their compassionate care, love, and support.
Service will be held at Old Stone Presbyterian Church on Friday, October 9, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. The family will attend a private interment in Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Peyton Hospice House, 1265 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901 or your favorite charity.
Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
