Barbara Knight

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Barbara “Barbie” Ann Villarroel Knight due to complications from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on November 16, 2023.

Born May 12, 1970, in Elmhurst, Illinois to Jaime C. Villarroel and Carolyn Schultz, Barbie was often referred to as the velcro of the family, always ensuring that everyone felt loved and supported. Not only beautiful both inside and out, Barbie was also recognized in multiple beauty pageants for her grace and elegance when growing up in Boca Raton, Florida where forever family memories were created. In fact, Barbie’s younger brother, Michael, recalls when she was crowned Homecoming queen in high school, he had the honor of driving her around the football field in his vintage Mustang convertible.

Graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 1995 and attending the Helsinki School of Economics (Helsingin Kauppakorkeakoulu) in 1995, Barbie was never one to shy away from a challenge. She founded Just Got 2 Have It!, which quickly became the #1 brand-to-retail agency in the gift and decorative accessories industry, based in Atlanta, Georgia and Las Vegas, Nevada. Barbie earned the first-ever ICON Award from Americas Mart Atlanta, a Gifted Woman Recognition by Gifts and Accessories magazine, and was a repeat winner of the Best of Floor for Outstanding Visual Design by Americas Mart Atlanta.

Although the consummate professional, Barbie also knew how to have fun. The epitome of a great hostess and the life of the party, she threw a multitude of unforgettable birthday bashes and events with creative themes woven into all aspects of the occasion, down to the music, venue and unique party favors.

Barbie continued her selfless work even after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Instead of giving up, she turned her energy and resources to those less fortunate than her. In 2021, Barbie founded the Barbara Knight Foundation to support ongoing research and to provide financial and emotional support for fellow patients bravely fighting AML. Since its origin, the foundation has impacted countless lives, and continues to be a resource for families and patients bravely combating AML. In 2023, the foundation hosted its Inaugural Grand Gala, a highly anticipated black tie event that brought together elegance, excitement and a room full of love.

Barbie loved her work, however it was her role as a devoted mother that was truly her greatest pride and joy. She loved spending as much time possible with her daughter Lucy whether it was getting fancy for an event or just cuddling up to go to sleep at night. Lucy will always know how much her Mama loved her, to the moon and back.

Barbie is survived by her husband Bill Knight, partner Phil Gurian, daughter Lucy Gurian, mother Carolyn Schultz, sister Lysa Villarroel Buckner and brother-in-law Michael Buckner, brother Michael Villarroel and sister-in-law Sarah Villarroel, Aunt Barbara Johnson and Tracy Johnson, nephews Max Buckner and Cole Buckner, nieces Emerson Villarroel, Ainsley Villarroel, and Rowan Villarroel, Aunt Elda and Uncle Jimmy Calvo, cousins Steven Johnson, Cathy Maltz, Bill Schultz, Joanna Dean, half-sister Pamela Villarroel, her husband Frank Lucas and nieces Julia and Siena, and many dear extended family members, team members, and cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Jaime C. Villarroel, her maternal grandparents Barbara and Robert “Bob” Schultz and her paternal grandparents Gumercindo and Faustina Villarroel. And let’s not forget her beloved fur-kids Drew, Ditty & Daisy.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 27th at the Babione Funeral Home, 1100 N. Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton. Burial will follow at the Boca Raton Cemetery where she will be laid to rest. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Barbie’s wishes were to have memorial donations made to the Barbara Knight Foundation at barbaraknight.org