Mr. Isaac James Knight Sr.

June 12, 1949 - December 17, 2020

Deacon Isaac James Knight Sr. was born on June 12, 1949, in Jackson, Mississippi. He was the second of 15 children born to his late mother, Bessie B. Knight Haywood, and late father, James Harvey Trigg Jr. On Thursday, December 17, 2020, while at home, Isaac transitioned peacefully into eternal rest. He is now forever with the Lord. Isaac accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior as a young child and was an active member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where Reverend Carl Snell served as his Pastor. He later joined Sweet Home Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A., where he served faithfully throughout adulthood. An industrious man who cultivated an excellent work ethic in his early years, Isaac secured his first job at the age of nine by working at grocery stores and stadiums in Houston, Texas. At age 12, he moved back to Mississippi and attended Carter High School, where he soon became the favorite bus driver of peers who warmly called him, “Rice," a childhood nickname. After graduating from Carter High School, Isaac enrolled in Jackson State University and took a position at Whites Electric. He later joined Siemens Energy, where he rendered over 40 years of service before retiring on February 29, 2020. Multitalented, Isaac also became a licensed barber who grew very fond of clients that ultimately became his friends. On July 9, 1972, Isaac married the love-of-his-life, Juanita, whom he affectionately called, "Sweetheart." From this union came three daughters: Latrice, Kristy and Sherry Denise, and one son, the late James Jr. As a couple, Isaac and Juanita frequently entertained guests in their home, serving ministers, family and friends. Isaac loved seeing joy on his wife's face as she cooked and would often say, with his infectious smile, “Your momma in there with those pots and pans doing what she loves; I'll say." In addition to entertaining, Isaac and Juanita liked to travel. When they took trips to Houston, Texas, to visit his mother and siblings, they would enjoy good food, great music and memorable times. The two also regularly attended the Church of Christ Holiness National Convention, where they would be inspired, further equipped, and strengthened through fellowship with the saints. In almost 50 years of marriage, Isaac and Juanita established a legacy that bore witness to God's everlasting love. Isaac loved the Lord and was pleased to serve the Church in many ways. He often shared memories of Brother Alex Seals encouraging him to assist with the offering while at Pleasant Grove M.B. Church. As he assisted, God planted a seed of ministerial support that would continue to develop during his adult life. While a member of Sweet Home (COCHUSA), Isaac served in the choir, in the Brotherhood, and as secretary under the late Elder Joseph Campbell Sr. Under the leadership of Reverend Willie Jenkins Jr., he became a trustee and later, chairman of the trustee board. On September 27, 2014, Isaac was ordained as a deacon with his Pastor, Elder Ben K. Duren, standing at his side. In all of these capacities of service, Isaac exhibited humility, honor and grace. Isaac James Knight Sr. touched every life he encountered, and the impact he made on others will persist for generations. Preceded in eternal rest by his mother, father, son, and three of his siblings, Isaac Knight Sr. leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Juanita; daughters Sherry Holloway, Venus Latrice (Marchand) Bingham, Venica Knight, Kristy (Jeremy) Wilson, and Sherry (Otis Jr.) Wright; grandchildren Antwain, Ivan, Kameron, Amber, Kaden, Nia Brooke, Lil Jay, and Otis III; great-granddaughter Amyiah; siblings Johnnie M. Watson, Earnestine Askew, Larry (Clarissa) Kinnibrew, Sheena Ward, Jerry Kinniebrew, Mary Siddiqui, Sandra Helman, Dwight Kinniebrew, Eddie (Michelle) Hardman, Ida (Harold) Armstrong, and Ronald Hardman; Kimberly (Stephen) Smith, Arthur (Caren) Triggs, James Triggs, Johnnie Triggs; in-laws Robert Lee Jones, Mary (Robert) Funchess, Willie Allen, Marvin Jones, Curtis (Margaret) Jones, David (Martha) Jones, Desree (Cliffton) Edwards, and Marla (Homer) Jackson, and a host of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will treasure his life and continue his legacy.