It is with heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of Mrs. Leola Knowles of St. Stephen, South Carolina, who entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia.

Mrs. Knowles was born on April 1, 1943, in St. Stephen, South Carolina, to Anna Bell Middleton Ladson and Richard Ladson. Raised on her family’s farm, she learned early the values of hard work, compassion, generosity, and love for family. At the age of twelve, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized by Reverend Henry Haskel. After relocating to New York City, she faithfully served at Mount Nebo Baptist Church and later Second Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she sang in the Senior Choir, supported the Pastor’s Aide Club, and taught Youth Sunday School.

A proud graduate of Russellville High School, Mrs. Knowles earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Benedict College in 1964. She later enjoyed a distinguished career with the City of New York, serving for approximately thirty years and rising to become an Adult Protective Services Unit Manager.

In 2000, she married her beloved companion and travel partner, Willis A. Knowles, with whom she shared many wonderful years until his passing on June 22, 2022. Mrs. Knowles enjoyed traveling, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and returning often to her beloved South Carolina. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, loving heart, generosity, and willingness to help others. She especially valued education and found great joy in supporting others in their educational pursuits.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her sister, Mary Ladson Greene (Aaron); foster sisters, Evelyn Scott Dewitt (Jasper), Hilda Singleton, and Deborah Crosby (Tony); niece, Janelle Greene Trice; nephews, Jermaine Henry and Eric Greene; goddaughter, Allison Michelle Bethea; along with a host of loving relatives, lifelong friends, and dear loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Delores Ladson Henry and Johnny Ladson, and her beloved husband, Willis A. Knowles.

A Family Gathering will take place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at 1485 Betaw Road, St. Stephen, SC. A viewing will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 272 Church Road, St. Stephen, SC. The Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Baptist Church. Burial will follow in H & L Middleton Memorial Garden, 1185 Betaw Road, St. Stephen, SC.

Please continue to keep the Knowles family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of bereavement.