Betty Jean (Strickland) Knowlton

Mrs. Betty Jean Strickland Knowlton, 87, of Patterson, passed away late Monday evening, July 8, 2024, at her residence.

Born in Patterson, GA on January 30, 1937, she lived in Pierce County most of her life.  Mrs. Knowlton was a 1955 graduate of Patterson High School and went on to graduate from Georgia Teacher’s College in Statesboro.  She worked as an educator before staying at home to raise her family.  Mrs. Knowlton went back to work for Patterson Elementary School as a teacher and later as the librarian.  She retired in 1999. 

Mrs. Knowlton had a servant’s heart.  She passionately served as a faithful member of Laura Chapel Baptist Church.  Mrs. Knowlton wore many hats over the years at Laura Chapel having been a Sunday School teacher, vacation bible school director, adult choir member and director, and longest standing nursery keeper.  She was also a member of the Adult Ladies Sunday School class.   

She also gave her heart and soul to Patterson Elementary School.  Her love of reading and understanding the importance of having children read at an early age helped numerous children over the years.  One such student was able to let Mrs. Knowlton know just how much that lesson meant to her by now teaching children just like Mrs. Knowlton taught her.  It was truly a full-circle moment. 

She was a 100% hands-on mom when it came to her children or grandchildren participating in sports whether it was helping with the Patterson Eagle cheerleaders, basketball, or softball.

Mrs. Knowlton enjoyed cooking, baking, and candy making for family and friends.  She also loved to fish, to travel, and spend time at the beach with her family.  Mrs. Knowlton was a big sports fan and never missed a chance to cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs or the Pierce County Bears.   

She wore many hats in her lifetime, and all were worn with such grace, kindness, and love.  She has definitely earned that extra jewel in her Heavenly crown and her family has a treasure trove of memories that will last a lifetime.

She was a daughter of the late Andrew Jackson & Isabelle “Bell” Dixon Strickland, Sr.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Dorsey Ross Knowlton; and a brother and sister-in-law, Andrew Jackson “A.J.” & Diane Strickland.

Survivors include three daughters, Millie (Bert) Walker of Blackshear, and Jill (Brian) Dowling and Starr (Noel) Harris all of Patterson; two sons, Dorsey Ross “Buddy” (Amy) Knowlton of Blackshear and Len (Duce May) Knowlton of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; three sisters, Genevive Pope of Patterson, Patricia (Eddie) Cox of Brunswick, and Angela Strickland of Patterson; a brother, William Daniel “W.D.” (Susan) Strickland of Patterson; 9 grandchildren, Cliff (Ellen) Knowlton, Megan Dowling, Allie Dowling, Hayden Knowlton, Mallory (Brandon) Price, Jackson Knowlton, Gunnar (Mackenzie) Knowlton, Asher Harris, & Rosston Harris; 6 great grandchildren, Blythe Knowlton, Grier Knowlton, Coleman Price, Ross Knowlton, Gentson Price, and Cypress Knowlton; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Knowlton will be held Friday afternoon, July 12, 2024, at 4 o’clock from the Laura Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Daniel Harris, Rev. Tim Rowell and Mr. Jake Dixon officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the church two hours prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Strickland Cemetery.

The family kindly requests members of the Adult Ladies Sunday School class as well as the Adult Choir and the Patterson High School class of 1955 to serve as honorary pallbearers.  Please meet at the church by 3:30 Friday afternoon.

Memorials may be made to the Laura Chapel Baptist Church Missions Fund, 4814 Laura Chapel Road, Patterson, GA  31557 or to the Patterson Elementary School Library, 3414 Drawdy Street, Patterson, GA  31557.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jean (Strickland) Knowlton, please visit our floral store.