Delois Turner-McKnight, the youngest daughter of fourteen children,
was born in Abbeville, Georgia to Deacon and Sister Raleigh Turner.
She was very active in the church as a youngster and gave her life to
Christ at age thirteen. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school
and participated in many local as well as national conventions.
At the age of eighteen, she moved to Florida and transferred her membership to the Church of God by Faith in Gainesville where she continued to serve faithfully. In May 1978, Pastor James Jr. and Mrs. McKnight were married and were blessed with three wonderful children, Candace, James III, and Devin.
She accepted a position at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) in the department of telecommunications which she believes helped to prepare her for the roles in which she serves today. In 1993, she received a national certification in Early Childhood Development from SFCC. She then worked for several years for the Alachua County School Board before joining her husband, Pastor James McKnight Jr. in the ministry full-time.
When her husband answered the called to establish a ministry in Starke Florida, Mrs. McKnight was extremely helpful in every aspect of the cause. She was by his side as they tirelessly walked the streets spreading the good news of the gospel of Christ to all who would listen. As the ministry grew,
First Lady McKnight, as she is affectionately called by her members, coordinated the Adult Outreach Ministries, managed the Usher Board, Greeters and Women’s Ministries. First Lady McKnight understands that a good servant of God is not exempt from issues and challenges which prompts her to totally rely on Him. She believes her sustaining power is found in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
If you would like to contact First Lady Delois McKnight you may e-
mail her at: 1stlady@starkecogbf.org
