Margaret Joann Knowles

Joann Knowles, devoted wife, mother, aunt and grandmother, passed peacefully on December 8, 2024 at the age of 90 at her home in Palm Beach Gardens. Joann is survived by her daughters, Debra Bochnovich (Richard) of Palm Beach Gardens and Lori Gramaglia (Phil) of Miami Beach; her grandson Andrew Bochnovich of Palm Beach Gardens; her brother-in-law Garnett Knowles of Palm Beach Gardens; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Lincoln Knowles, and her parents Albert and Thelma Knowles.

Joann was born on July 7, 1934 in Miles City, Montana and spent her early years in Montana and later in Alabama where her father attended veterinary school. The family then moved to West Palm Beach where her father opened Knowles Animal Hospital. She spent her childhood and teenage years horseback riding, boating, fishing, waterskiing and helping at the Animal Hospital. She studied dance (ballet and tap) and starred in many performances. She attended Palm Beach High School, where she met the love of her life Lincoln Knowles, class president and star athlete. After graduation, Joann and Lincoln were married in 1953 and she became Joann Knowles Knowles. They then began their life journey together which took them to Fort Bragg where Lincoln served in the U.S. Army; to Gainesville, Florida where Lincoln graduated from the University of Florida; and then returned to West Palm Beach where Lincoln taught and coached at Riviera Beach (Suncoast), Forest Hill, Jupiter and William T. Dwyer high schools.

Joann was known for her beautiful smile, gorgeous handwriting and sweet personality. She unselfishly devoted herself to taking care of her family. She was an incredible cook whose dishes were often the hit of many family gatherings. When family members were ill or needed assistance, Joann was the first to lend a helping hand. She loved traveling to the North Carolina mountains in the Fall. She was an avid reader, often finishing a book in a day. She would always go out of her way to make everything special. Her kindness, warmth, smile and love will be missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in the Gardens Presbyterian Church (4677 Hood Road) in Palm Beach Gardens. Service live stream: www.YouTube.com/channel/UCsCnv7zTL2n4_H412WamRXw/live. Committal and burial services will follow in the Hillcrest Memorial Park (6411 Parker Avenue) in West Palm Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Unbridled Paths, 13164 Silver Fox Lane, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 (unbridledpaths.org). They provide equine-assisted therapeutic riding services to individuals with special needs.