Ms. Merle Venice McKnight

April 17, 1935 - September 14, 2019

Merle Venice McKnight, 84 of Ridgely, Maryland, answered her call from Christ and took flight to her eternal home on September 14, 2019. Merle was born on April 17, 1935 to the late William T. McKnight and Bartie Groce McKnight in Brooklyn, New York. Merle received her education in Brooklyn, New York, graduating from Franklin K. Lane High School, class of 1953. She went on to further her education in the field of nursing first by obtaining her Licensed Practical Nurse, (LPN), upon graduating from the University of the State of New York in September 1965. Merle would not be satisfied with being an LPN and decided to continue her education in the nursing field. She then attended New York City Community College, graduating with honors, earning an Associates Degree in Applied Science, and obtaining her Registered Professional Nursing Degree (RN) from the state of New York. Merle went on to work as an RN for Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn New York, where she retired after 30 plus years of service. Merle always loved the Eastern Shore of Maryland, her mother’s original home, and early in her career, she built a home next to her parents in hopes of spending her retirement years on the shore. Upon retirement from Kings County Hospital, she relocated to Ridgely, Maryland but realized she was not finish with her nursing career. Merle worked for the Whitsett Center in Chestertown, Maryland and the Wesleyan Center of Denton, MD for many more years. She retired again, from Upper Shore Mental Health Center in Chestertown, Maryland. Merle loved to travel and tell stories about her trips. Merle would also include her mother in her cross- country travels. She often would forget to tell family when she left the country, including a two week stay in Paris. She loved arts and crafts and was recognized by the Wesleyan Center for her dolls and clothing that she made by hand and was featured in the local newspaper for the same. Merle was predeceased by her parents and her brother Thomas McKnight Sr., nephews Russell and Ricky Perrin. She is survived by her sister, Barbara L. Perrin, nieces Patricia Perrin, Pamela Mitchell and Nancy Perrin, nephews Thomas McKnight Jr. (Vivian), Roger McKnight (Serena), William McKnight (Renee) and Randy Perrin (Marlena), cousins, other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be held at Fleegle and Helfenbein Funeral Home in Greensboro MD on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at 11 am. Visitation will be one hour prior, interment will follow at Cokers Cemetery in Greensboro. to share remembrances or online condolences please visit www.fleegleandhelfenbein.com.