Kaye Wilkinson Knight, 74, died at her home on Monday, April 30, 2018. She is survived by her husband of 52 years B. Ramsey Knight, as well as two dogs, Minnie Pearl, Hope and Gracie the cat.

She is predeceased by her parents, Robert D. and Dorothy J. Wilkinson, as well as a very special sister-in-law and classmate, Carol Knight Virden.

Born June 21, 1943, Kaye was graduated from Parrish High School in 1961, attended the University of Alabama and graduated with honors from Huntington College in 1965 with degrees in mathematics and history.

Her career in tutoring began in 1965 when she helped a “few students” with math. What followed was more than 50 years of working with hundreds of students, some being children and grandchildren of her original students, who came from all over the state to receive her patient, thorough instruction in all areas of math. Kaye’s expertise led to her appointment to the State Textbook Committee charged with overseeing the preview of math textbooks for Alabama schools. Kaye was herself a lifelong learner. She loved to travel, loved reading and especially loved history.

She was an active member of the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (formally First Presbyterian Church) where she served as an elder and congregational leader for many years. She served Meals on Wheels extending her discipleship to many people in need. She was a regular attender of her Sunday school class, where timely comments and thought-provoking quotations always inspired thinking and discussion.

Kaye was passionate about animals and worked with local governments to promote and to secure better methods of handling stray dogs and cats. Her progressive ideas brought unprecedented improvement in local adoption methods and care of all creatures.

This passion for animals led her to establish a permanent environment at her childhood home and farm called the Sky Hill Animal Society, dedicated to helping animals to help people.

In all things, Kaye believed in excellence. She read and studied and gave the best of herself to every purpose she pursued. Her generous spirit has been felt through many deeds, small and large, and most of them unrecognized.

Kaye’s faith was the foundation of her life. She lived in constant hope against overwhelming odds. She prayed in daily belief that each day was an opportunity to grow. And she died knowing her destiny was with the God she so loved.

There will be a memorial service 1 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2018, at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church with Dr. George Wood officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home directing. A visitation in the Warren Room will follow the service.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Sky Hill Animal Society, Inc., P.O. Box 511, Selma, AL 36702, (a 501c(3} corporation} or a charity or organization of your choice.