Shirley Ann Clark Knight

Shirley Ann Clark-Knight known to most as (Auntie)was born in Winder, GA May 21, 1960 to the late Howard Watson Jr and Christine Pope.  As an infant she was moved to Gainesville, GA to live with her devoted father Howard Watson Jr and stepmother Melissa Watson.  At an early age they instilled in Shirley two of her most admired qualities, unconditional love and independence.

Shirley attended school at East Hall, soon after she became a production worker, and core three children Akira, Cardoza Jr and Tracee to her first husband Cardoza Paul Clark Sr., all whom she loved dearly.

Shirley was a sweet, kind hearted type of woman that enjoyed the simple things in life.  She was so easy going, she was like a friend to everyone that she came across.  She enjoyed cooking, fishing, attending sports events for her grandkids and most of all she enjoyed her life and family.  She had a very special place in her heart for spending time with all her grandkids supporting and spoiling them all the she could.  She also was the type of person that if you ever needed a place to stay, you were welcome and everyone was always welcome to eat.  Shirley helped raise several of her nieces and nephews at times and always treated them as her own.  She was an astonishing woman!

She is preceded in death by her parents Howard Watson Jr., Christine Pope, her brother David James Watson, one Aunt Louise Hodges and one uncle Jackie Lee Watson.

Shirley leaves to cherish her memories her husband Joseph Knight, her son Cardoza Jr., daughters: Akira (Travis) Hall, Tracee (Shawn) Branch; grandchildren: Patience, Keymonta, Nasir, Kingston, Ashunti Branch, Jordan Jermarion, Kashmire, Brooklyn and Aziah; three sisters: Doris Pope, Donna Pope, Deborah (Jerome) Cade, one brother Rickey (Linda) Morton and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at First Baptist Church, 1810 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Gainesville, GA on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 11:00 AM.  Visitation will be held at the Historical St. John Baptist Church on Friday, May 12, 2017 from 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM.  Professional Services Entrusted to Wimberly & Jackson Funeral Home.