Knight, Sharon Matherly
On July 31, 2017, Sharon Matherly Knight, age 65, of Blacksburg, enjoyed a great heavenly reunion with many family members who have gone on before her including her husband, Michael N. Knight, her father and mother, James A. Matherly, Sr. and Hattie P. Matherly, her brother, Rev. James Matherly, her sister Arleta M. Tilley, brother in law, George J. Tilley, brother Edward Matherly and sister Jean M. Phillips.
She is survived by her devoted mother-in-law, Ann Knight who was a constant help, resource and inspiration to Sharon. Nephews Michael A. Tilley (her “person”), his wife Lisa and daughters Alexa T. Wilson (husband Caleb), Amelia and Amanda of Roanoke, VA; Daniel J. Tilley, his wife Candace and their daughter Claire and son Cooper of Huntersville, NC, Gregory K. Tilley, his wife Jenny and sons Kirk, and Griffin and their daughter Ella all of Blacksburg, VA, and niece Becky Lewis, her daughter Mary, and sons Ray and Brandon all of Lynchburg as well as her sister in law Laura K. Chaffee (husband Wyatt) and their son Matthew all of Reston, VA. Sharon loved her family is also survived by many special cousins and nieces and nephews.
Music was Sharon’s passion in life. She served as the musician and choir director at several churches in the New River Valley and Roanoke over the years. Sharon taught music in many area schools and taught private lessons over many decades. She realized a lifelong dream when she was able to open Discovery Academy of Fine Arts in Blacksburg which enabled her to touch even more children’s lives with lessons and fun summer camp experiences learning about fine arts. She began her musical career at an early age as a pianist in church and played piano for countless special events and often played the carillon bells on the campus of Virginia Tech. Her fun loving spirit and music touched countless people who she inspired.
Sharon was enamored with the political process and was one of the “Nixon girls” working on the 1968 presidential campaign. She was devoted to the Republican Party her entire life encouraging all to come and vote as she worked the polls each election.
She was an avid Hokie and Blacksburg Indian who still played “Onward Indians” each year at graduation even after the mascot was changed and always enjoyed staying in touch with her fellow “Indian” class mates.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday August 4 at in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Gary McCoy officiating. Interment will follow in the Westview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home ahead of the service.
Sharon’s family extends a very special thank you to Pastor Gary McCoy, his wife Jane and the entire Blacksburg Christian Church family that tirelessly ministered to Sharon these last few years. Your service to her was an inspiration and is deeply appreciated. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations in Sharon’s memory go to Blacksburg Christian Church at 240 Watson, Ave. Blacksburg, VA 24060.