Evangelist Missionary Mother Anna Purnell Knight.

On Monday, February 19, 2024, surrounded by her children, Mother Anna Knight completed her life’s journey and transitioned to be with the Lord to claim her inheritance in God’s Kingdom.

Mother Knight was born on February 24. 1930, to the late Reverend Gabe Purnell and Mary Lee Purnell, and raised in a Christ centered home with her four siblings. She received her formal education through the Bayonne Public School System.

At a young age, Mother Knight gave her heart to God under the leadership of her father the late Reverend Gabe Purnell, DD. She worked in the many auxiliaries as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, Sunshine Band to name a few.

In 1949, Mother Knight married Reverend Russell Knight. She worked diligently alongside her late husband as he pastored Holy Temple Church of God in Christ in Long Branch, NJ. Later continuing to work side by side with her husband as he pastored Knights Temple Church of God in Christ in Jersey City, NJ and later Purnell Temple Church of God in Christ in Bayonne, NJ. Mother Knight was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As the pastor’s wife, she provided an open door not only to the church but to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Mother Knight was active in many civic and church organizations. She was appointed Vice President of the Ministers Wives and Widows Department of the New Jersey First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ. Mother Knight also served as President of the Porter Memorial #1 District Pastors Wives and Widows Department. She was a member of the International Pastors and Minister Wives Organization. Mother Knight previously served as the treasurer of the Bayonne Branch of the N.A.A.C.P. and a lifetime member. She served in these capacities for many years.

Mother Knight continued to serve as the President of the Women’s Department of Purnell Temple Church of God in Christ as well as Church Mother until her demise. She was a faithful member of the Purnell Temple Church of God in Christ and a faithful member of the Senior Choir, The Jubilees for 25years.

Mother Knight also worked at Bayonne Hospital for over 30 years.

Her husband Reverend Russell Knight, her son Eric Knight, and her daughter Missionary Joanne Knight precede Mother Knight in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Missionary Sheila Knight-Conteh, Desiree Knight, her loving sons, Dana & Purnell Knight, two caring daughters-in-law Cheryl Knight & Sinai Knight, her grandchildren Nelson, Danisha, Lanisha (Ermi), Purnell, Jr., Nyell, great-granddaughters Elysia, Eliana, Aranely, and Aryah, her beloved brother Gabe Purnell whom she adored, Goddaughter Erica Young, and a host of nieces, nephews, many loving cousins and dear friends.