Kimberly Rene Knight

Kimberly Rene Knight, age 58, of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025. She was born in Rome, Georgia, on November 4th, 1966, to Johnny Ray Knight, Sr. and Cathryn Ashworth.

Kimberly graduated from Cass High School in 1984. Furthering her education, Kimberly later graduated from Kennesaw State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree.

In 1986, she enlisted in the United States Air Force. Kimberly served as a medic, and she was stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida, along with Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. While she was stationed at Elmendorf AFB, she graduated from Airman Leadership School. Her last duty assignment was at Elmendorf AFB with the 19th Aeromedical Staging Flight, under Pacific Air Forces. During her active duty service, Kimberly was awarded numerous medals and ribbons. She was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon, and NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon. At the time of her discharge from the United States Air Force, Kimberly had earned the rank of Sergeant. She was honorably discharged in 1992, with more than five years of active duty service.

After Kimberly received an honorable discharge, she returned to Georgia — where she dedicated more than twenty years to the family business, Knight and Knight Land Surveyors.

Kimberly had a contagious laugh that could brighten any room, and one of her favorite things was making time to share laughing moments with a loved one. She always tried new foods and experiences, and she enjoyed spending time outdoors or completing word puzzles. Kimberly was also a fan of traveling. She enjoyed traveling to the mountains and fishing, and she always enjoyed traveling to the beach — whether it was in Aruba or in Florida, she loved to be on the beach. In addition, Kimberly was an avid animal lover, so much so that she rescued an adult cat and adored any animal that she came into contact with. She also enjoyed listening to music, with a preference of classic rock and country.

Kimberly has had a monumental influence in her community of family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues throughout her life. She was always supportive of others, and she took pride in always standing up for what’s right. She loved being there for others and helping everyone in any way that she could. Kimberly was very welcoming and could start a conversation with anyone or make them laugh at any given time. She wasn’t afraid to be herself, and she inspired others to do the same. Kimberly was cherished by many, and she will be so incredibly missed.

“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.”

— Emily Dickinson

Along with her grandparents, Kimberly is preceded in death by her late husband, Barry Fitzgerald; stepfather, Kenneth Wynn; aunts, Margine Rogers, Barbara K. Bennett, Rachel Knight; uncle, Kenny Knight.

She is survived by her daughter, Savannah Ray Jones; mother, Cathryn Knight Wynn; father, Johnny Ray Knight, Sr. and his wife, Deborah; brother, Johnny Ray Knight, Jr.; stepsister, Hope (Rodney) Tew; aunts, Jane (Michael) Waits, Linda (Randall) McIntyre; uncles, Ottis Ashworth, Roger (Diane) Knight, Ted (Linda Ann) Knight; nieces, Rachel Tew, Rielle Tew; nephew, Mitchell Tew; and beloved rescue cat, Little One.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Etowah Valley Humane Society, in memory of Kimberly Rene Knight.

“The journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take.”

— J.R.R. Tolkien

The family will receive friends for visitation at Owen Funeral Home on Friday, April 4th, 2025, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at 11:00am in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home — with Rev. Bart Black officiating. The interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery — with Johnny Ray Knight, Jr. (Ray), Daniel Knight, David Knight, Stuart Waits, Bobby Gentry, and Johnny McCollum serving as pallbearers.

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave online condolences for the family. Owen Funeral Home is honored to serve the Knight family.