Peggy McKnight

Peggy Jean Thomas McKnight of Coker, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, at Hospice of West Alabama at the age of 84.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Magnolia North Funeral Home, with Reverend Alton Bridges officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. A private burial will follow at Coker Cemetery on Romulus Road.

Peggy was born on March 7, 1941, in Tuscaloosa County. She was a graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School and a proud, lifelong resident of Coker. Peggy dedicated her life to her family and her community. She was a gifted hairdresser and the proud owner of Cozy Nook Beauty Shop. Known for her keen eye and caring touch, Peggy often joked she never saw a head of hair that didn't need a trim.

Peggy served her town faithfully as a councilwoman for the Town of Coker and was a lifelong member of Coker United Methodist Church. She took deep pride in her church and community. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life-fishing and spending time on the water with her beloved husband, Ross, at Yellow Creek; cooking for family and friends; and sharing laughter around the dinner table. Coming from a long line of great Southern cooks, Peggy loved feeding others and made sure no one ever left her home hungry.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Findley and Ruby Thomas; husband, Ross McKnight; brother, Bobby Thomas; and sister, Betty Pierce.

She is survived by her sons, Keith McKnight and Ben McKnight (Lisa), both of Coker, Alabama; sisters, Nell Fair and Bland Strickland; grandchildren, Stephen McKnight (Jenae), Jonathan McKnight (Alexis), Emily Skelton (Brylan), and Nathan Ross McKnight (Katie); great-grandson, Jack Skelton; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as pallbearers will be Stephen McKnight, Jonathan McKnight, Nathan Ross McKnight, Brylan Skelton, Steve Fair, and Ronnie Mitchum.

Peggy's legacy is one of faith, family, service, and love. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.