Virginia Knowles

Obituary of Virginia Knowles Virginia Durand Knowles, 100, died on April 5, 2014. Virginia is survived by her daughters Suzanne Leatherman (Ralph), San Antonio, TX, Diana Dunlop (Erwin), Oviedo, FL, Ruth Lockett, Leesburg, FL, and her grandchildren, Mark Logan (Marina), Tallahassee, FL, Adele Logan O'Keefe (Sills), Norfolk, VA, Philip Dunlop, Celebration, FL, Molly Logan Neel (Curt), Clearwater, FL, Elizabeth Lockett Byrne (Jason), Chicago, IL, Catherine Lockett, Tavares, FL, and 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband, W.A. (Tim) Knowles in 1988 and her daughter Judith in 1948. Virginia grew up on Lake Harris in the Drake house in Yalaha, FL. Her dad Frank Durand ran the fernery for Mr. Drustan Drake of Ocala. They moved to Leesburg to the house that her father built on Lakeshore Drive in Palmora Park in 1926. (The house is still there.) She graduated from Leesburg High School in 1931, where she was a charter member on the National Honor Society and played on the girls' basketball team. She was also an avid tennis player, and it was while playing tennis that she met her husband, Tim Knowles, whom she was married to for 54 years. She was an active member in the Morrison United Methodist Church in Leesburg. She was baptized, confirmed and married in that church. She was also a well-known local artist and a charter member of the Leesburg Art Association and the Triangle Club. She was active in the church, and taught Sunday school and Bible School for many years. Many people remember Virginia as an accomplished artist and cook. She was renowned locally for her cookies and home-made breads, as well as her portraits and still life paintings. Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Morrison United Methodist Church, Leesburg. Interment to follow at Lone Oak Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Hacienda Girl's Ranch, 326 Croton Road, Melbourne, FL 32935, The Florida Methodist Children's Home, 51 Children's Way Enterprise, FL 32775, Morrison Methodist Church, or Cornerstone Hospice. Services Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Morrison United Methodist Church, Leesburg. Interment Interment to follow at Lone Oak Cemetery. Memorial Contributions Contributions can be made to the Hacienda Girl's Ranch, 326 Croton Road, Melbourne, FL 32935, The Florida Methodist Children's Home, 51 Children's Way Enterprise, FL 32775, Morrison Methodist Church, or Cornerstone Hospice.