Velma Knowles

A Celebration of Life for Velma Wall Knowles, 103, of North Richland Hills, TX, formerly of Longview, will be held at 3 PM Friday, January 22 at Atria at Hometown, 6350 Winter Park Dr., North Richland Hills, 76180. Mrs. Knowles passed away Monday night at her home. There will also be a Celebration of Life at 2 PM Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Greggton First Baptist Church in Longview with the Rev. Bobby Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Longview. The family will receive friends Saturday at the church from 1-2 PM prior to the service. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Velma was born on August 20, 1912 in Vivian, LA to Elias and Sarah Elizabeth Wall. She graduated from what is now Northwestern State University of LA and began her teaching career and met coach Winlon Knowles. They married in 1938, beginning a beautiful marriage of 51 years. She taught for many years in both White Oak and Pine Tree schools where she was a vibrant part of those communities. She was a longtime member of Greggton First Baptist Church and active in volunteer work including Good Shepherd Medical Center Auxiliary and the Longview Girls Softball Association. She also served as president of Texas Classroom Teachers Association of PTISD and on the state board. Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Winlon Knowles, her parents, sisters Virginia Ross, Frances Carroll, Beth Lowe, and brother E.B. Wall, Jr. Those left to cherish her memory are son and daughter-in-law Jack and Mary Knowles of North Richland Hills, daughter and son-in-law Gae and Rob Best of Denton, grandsons Scott Styron and wife Tonya, Craig Styron and wife Monica, Brian Best and wife Avril Westerman, David Knowles and wife Kristi, and Sean Knowles and wife Camila; and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister Betty and her husband Gayle Wise, many dear nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Her "fan club" included people who had never even met her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial to Shriner's Children's Hospital of Shreveport, LA or your favorite charity. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.

Velma Knowles

August 20, 1912 - January 18, 2016