VERNA MASTERSON KNIGHT, age 90, a resident of Bonita Springs, FL, formerly of Charleston, died Tuesday, April 6, 2010, at 1:00 a.m. CST in Bonita Springs.

She was born December 9, 1919, in New Madrid to the late Lawrence and Leona Williams Masterson. A graduate of New Madrid High School, she moved to Charleston in 1941 where she lived until moving to Bonita Springs, FL in 2008. In 1952 she and her husband, Bill Knight, purchased the Bakers Store chain and opened Knights Department Stores in Charleston, Sikeston, New Madrid, Dexter, Poplar Bluff, and in 1968 they built and opened Gibson's Discount Store in Kennett. They operated these stores until retiring in 1973 She was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Charleston where she taught the Beginners Sunday School class and was a faithful teacher for that department during Vacation Bible School for many years. She was an active member of the Charleston Chapter of P.E.O. and the Charleston Art Guild. A member and office holder of the former Charleston Business and Professional Women's club, she had been honored as that organization's Woman of the Year.

On October 14, 1941 she married William Gene "Bill" Knight who preceded her in death on October 26, 1988.

Surviving are two sons and daughters in law, Ronald and Sharon Knight of Lake Saint Louis, and Thomas and Cheryl Knight of Bonita Springs, FL; four grandsons and two granddaughters in law, Kevin M. "Marty" Knight of Creve Coeur, Scott A. "Tony" and Sandy Knight of Lake Saint Louis, Phillip A. Knight and Craig and Shaun Knight all of Birmingham, AL; two great grandsons, Taylor Knight and Tucker Knight both of Birmingham, AL; a special niece and nephew in law, Jean and Lawrence Galemore of Charleston, S.C.; and also several other nieces and nephews.

Visitation will held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 8, 2010, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2010, at the First Baptist Church in Charleston with Rev. Michael Brewer, Pastor, officiating. Rev. Gerald Penn, Pastor of the Charleston First Assembly of God Church and a longtime friend and Art Guild associate of Verna's, will assist.

Interment will follow in the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Reginald Young, Sam Babb, Richard Galemore, Lanie Black, Richard Logan, and Marty Williams

Memorial contributions may be made to the:
First Baptist Church Memorial Fund
301 S. Main Street
Charleston, MO 63834 ~~ or~~ Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
National Processing Center
Attn: Honor & Memorial Gifts
PO Box 1245
Albert Lea, MN, 56007-9976