Obituary of Bessie E. Knight

Bessie Ellen (Bette) Daubert Dunne Knight of Johnson City, NY, formerly Bainbridge, NY, died on April 15, 2024 in Binghamton, NY. She was born July 26, 1925 in Walnutport, PA, daughter of Lawrence T. and Meda Newhart Daubert. She married George J. Dunne in July, 1950. He predeceased her in December, 1972. She had three sisters who all predeceased her; Ruth Usher in 1981, Lorraine Stettler in 2007 and Pamela Graver in 2011. Bette married E. Danforth (Dan) Knight in October, 1979, who died in October, 2023. She was so grateful to have two wonderful, loving husbands during her lifetime. She is survived by her daughters and their families. Lorie Dunne and Mark Hempton of Effingham NH and their daughter Cambria and son-in-law Ross Brockman and children Warren and Shepherd; Jamie and Mark Murphy of Corsicana, TX and their daughter Hannah. And with her marriage to Dan, Debby Knight and Walter Lenk (deceased) of Cambridge, MA joined the family. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families. A graduate of Slatington High School, PA, she received her BS degree in Physical Education from East Stroudsburg University. She also attended Syracuse University and received her MS degree from the State University College at Oneonta, NY. She taught for 28 years in the Bainbridge-Guilford school system. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bainbridge and St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Endicott. In 2005 she and Dan became residents of the Highlands, the United Methodist Homes Independent Living homes in Johnson City, NY. In 2015, they moved to the Hilltop Community of United Methodist Homes. Most recently, she was a resident of the Elizabeth Church Manor Nursing Home in Binghamton, NY. She relished her teaching experiences, first in PE and then as a second-grade teacher where she particularly enjoyed reading to her students. In retirement she took great joy in traveling with Dan in the US, Canada and Europe, hiking, camping and cross-country skiing in the beautiful areas around Bainbridge, golf outings, bridge parties, flower gardening, and craft hobbies. She particularly enjoyed hosting friends for drinks and dinner on their back deck amidst flowers and hummingbirds. She also spent a number of winters in Venice FL where she and Dan spent many hours enjoying the beach. Her engaging smile and keen interest in people made all feel welcome and earned her many friendships. A memorial will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, The United Methodist Homes, 286 Deyo Hill Rd. Johnson City, NY, 13790 or a charity of one's choice.