Eleanor "Ellie" Hart Knight

Ellie Knight, age 24, died on April 2, 2025, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital after a 16-week battle with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Though her loss devastates those who knew, loved, and cherished Ellie, hearts and souls shall find solace in knowing Ellie lived a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, rich friendships, and a deeply held faith in God that allowed her to soar.

Born on April 21, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia, Ellie’s family moved to Bonaire, GA, when she was six weeks old. Ellie’s education would begin at the Cheerful Cherubs Pre-school at Warner Robins First United Methodist Church, where she was baptized as an infant and confirmed into the Christian faith at age 12. Her lively and grace-filled involvement there, combined with transformative youth group experiences at both WR First and Perry United Methodist Churches, sparked curiosity and compassion amidst a diverse mix of friends and a mind hungry to understand the mysteries surrounding an authentic faith-filled journey.

Ellie attended The Westfield Schools in Perry, Georgia, from pre-K through twelfth grade, where she formed relationships that she cherished until her last breath.

During her sophomore year, Ellie was nominated for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program (HOBY). This organization aims to inspire and develop a global community of youth and volunteers towards leadership, service, and innovation. She attended HOBY’s summer program for two years. After her senior year, she felt so enriched by her involvement that she served as a summer camp leader. The introverted Ellie began to evolve into a young woman motivated to share her gifts and talents without hesitation.

Westfield paved the way for Ellie to be accepted into a rigorous and rich academic experience at the University of Georgia, Athens. There, she graduated with honors from the Grady School of Journalism, specializing in Public Relations and Communications. A member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, Ellie was empowered to “…live bravely, act boldly, and use our voices to change the world for the better.”

Ellie also credited UGA’s Wesley Foundation with providing a vital point of balance, etching in her soul the ability to live out an integrated vocational, social, and spiritual life. Several of Ellie’s Piedmont nurses knew her well due to shared participation in small groups, mission trips, and other activities through Wesley.

Ellie's warm and welcoming personality was a perfect fit as an event planner with Whitewood Events in Athens. For Ellie, this became a dream job. As Director of Operations and Branding, Lead Planner, and Designer, the passion she brought to the work combined her gifts for communication with intimate interaction, and creative collaboration as she and her team created special occasions for life’s celebrations. Ellie credited her team with the successes, while her boss lavished praise upon her daily.

To know Ellie was to love her. Many will endure an Ellie-shaped hole in their hearts. She is survived by her father, Dr. Grady Knight (Athens, GA); mother, Rev. Deborah Wight-Knight (Bonaire, GA); brother, Dr. Stuart Knight (Buford, GA); sister-in-law, Mrs. Brandy Knight; two precious nieces, Charlotte and Olivia, who adored their Aunt EE; and her furry companion, Finch, Ellie’s female Cockapoo, named for Atticus Finch’s character in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.

A voracious reader of diverse literature, creative writer, lover of Broadway plays and musicals, traveler, baker extraordinaire, wedding cake connoisseur, and gifted entertainer with attention paid to every detail, Ellie loved life. The world was better with Ellie in it. She now rests in the eternal loving arms of God. Her suffering is over, and her spark remains as a light shining amid the darkness.

Ellie’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 11, at 11:00 AM at Warner Robins First United Methodist Church, 205 North Davis Drive, Warner Robins, with Rev. Dr. Jimmy Asbell, Rev. Ben Lee, Rev. Dr. Stuart Gulley, and Sr. Pastor, Rev. Jon Brown officiating. Rev. Tom Carruth will provide special music. Visitation will follow in Carter Hall during lunch for all. Childcare is provided during the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellie’s memory may be made to Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation, 1199 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30606, or to your local public library.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.