
Jimmie Faye Knox
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Houston- Jimmie Faye Ray Knox, age 85, died July 15, 2023, after an extended illness, having recently been surrounded by her dearest loved ones. Jimmie Faye peacefully passed from this Earth after living a life dedicated to her Lord and Savior and having inspired countless people to share that same love and passion. She was a long-time board member and Bible class teacher for over 50 years at Pearson Chapel Church of the Nazarene in Houston, MS, and later attended West Main Church of Christ, moving from Houston to Tupelo after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia. She was born on December 23, 1937, in Kennett, Missouri, to the late Andrew Jackson Ray and Clara Bell Weaver Ray. After moving to Houston, she met and married the love of her life, the late Melvin Morris "Jack" Knox and remained devotedly married until his death in 2007. She and Jack were lifelong entrepreneurs and had many jobs throughout the years, having owned and operated a large dairy farm, a grocery store, a used car dealership, a furniture factory, and an antique store, all near Houston, MS.
Jimmie Faye's heart overflowed with love for anyone in need, and she and Jack were known for founding The Laymen Quartet, a gospel singing group that would travel around the state to play at gospel singings. She will be remembered for hosting numerous gatherings at her home where she would cook huge meals for dozens of people including family, friends, church members, and any stranger who had the notion to join them. She loved attending gospel singings and never missed an opportunity to sing gospel hymns to anyone who would listen. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will remember and cherish the numerous Christmases spent at her home where she would prepare lavish meals and share a multitude of gifts that she found or purchased throughout the entire year for each person, all individualized and quite unique or even comical. Anyone that knew Jimmie Faye can probably pause now and hear her boisterous and genuine laughter that was so easily recognizable and contagious.
Jimmie Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Morris "Jack" Knox. She is survived by four children, Kathy (Ronnie) Crosswhite, of Tupelo; Rick (Annette) Knox, of Clermont, FL; Bobby (Suzanne) Knox of Ellisville, MS; and Nathan Knox of Mathiston, MS. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Dr. Brad (Angie) Crosswhite; Megan (Matt) Dennington; Luke (Suzy) Knox; Katie Anna (Kyle) Holifield; Lacey (Troy) Ledlow; Lindsey (Brandon) White; Kerri Ashland (John) Lofton; Dr. Tyler (Maryn) Crosswhite; Shelby (Trey) Whitten; Hannah (Grayson) Craig; and Charlie (Abbie) Knox; 12 cherished and precious great-grandchildren; 5 siblings, Betty (late Rad) Clark; Jackie (Sherry) Ray; Donna Holst; Patsy (Bobby) Aubuchon; and Marilyn "Susie" (Ed) Halldorson. Jimmie Faye was surrounded by a large group of church friends who she considered to be family, and she was undoubtedly a blessing to countless others who had the fortunate opportunity to know and love her.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 18, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m. at the Pearson Chapel Church of the Nazarene in Houston, MS. Her grandsons feel honored and privileged to serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to the Pearson Chapel Church of the Nazarene, 512 County Road 24, Houston, MS,
Southern Funeral Home of Houston is honored to serve the Knox family during this difficult time.
