Brenda Joyce McKnight

Brenda Joyce McKnight, age 78, of Hempstead, Texas passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, April 15, 2024. Brenda was born on October 16, 1945 in Houston, Texas to Charles and Juanita (Clarady) Compton, sister to brothers Howard and Wesley. On June 13, 1961 Brenda married the love of her life, Edward Keller McKnight, her husband of 62 years.

Beloved mother to two sons, Edward Keller McKnight, Jr., and Ray Alan McKnight, Brenda and Ed chose to raise their young family in Alief, TX and resided there until the early 1980's when they relocated to a 15 acre, 500 tree peach orchard in Hempstead, Texas. Actively involved in the daily operation of the pick-your-own orchards, Brenda embraced the versatility of their home-grown crop fully, collecting recipes, test-cooking each and publishing her "Peaches and Cream" cookbook in 1988 containing over 400 recipes.

Brenda excelled in her professional life as well, from starting and operating her own electronics business in the 1970's to her later career as an Executive Administrative Assistant - spanning several decades and well-known organizations, most recently supporting the Corp of Cadets program at Texas A&M University, an organization she was very proud of.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Edward McKnight, Sons Edward McKnight, (Theresa); Ray McKnight (Patricia). Grandchildren, Rachann McKnight (Alex); Robert McKnight (Brittany); Scott McKnight (Shelby) and Chelsy Cozad (Michael). Great-Grandchildren, Sawyer Wilber, Giorgio Zito, Kayson McKnight, Braylee Kay Cozad, Rylee Joyce Cozad, Zoey Bassett, Lylah McKnight and Jayden Perry with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

The McKnight family would like to extend our most sincere thanks and appreciation to Millie Jones, Ivis Riley and Remarkable Hospice for their compassion and care.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Visitation will begin at 12:30 pm; Memorial and Burial will begin at 1:30 pm with a Reception immediately following. Brookside Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039.