Merlene Hodge Knight, 88, of Palatka, passed from this life on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following an extended illness. Born in Odum, Georgia, she resided in Palatka since 1957 coming from Screven, Georgia. Years ago in Georgia, Merlene had worked in tobacco and cotton fields and after moving to Palatka, she worked as a cafeteria worker at the old Silver Lake Elementary School (now Kelly Smith Elementary). She had also helped her husband in his upholstery business. As a source of enjoyment, Merlene enjoyed crocheting. She was a member of Midway Baptist Church in Springside.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Nelbon Knight, her parents, Leston and Myrtice Hodge and 2 sisters, Glenese Moody and Willene Womack.
Merlene is survived by 3 daughters, Sheila Riddick (Mike), Teresa Knight and Tammy Knight, all of Palatka, 6 grandchildren, Chris Riddick (Jessica), Todd Riddick (Heather), Mitchell Knight, Zachary Knight (Tristian), Jamie Burkes and Adam Laibl (Jani) and 7 great-grandchildren, Chase, Clayton, Nevaeh, Lenna, Emma, Rowan and Jackson.

Graveside services and burial will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 9, 2024 with grandson, Todd Riddick speaking at Liberty Baptist Cemetery, 5616 Odum-Screven Rd.,Jesup, GA 31545.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.