Shirley Sauls Knight, widow of Alvin S. Knight, Jr., went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 24th at the age of 79.  Shirley had suffered for a while with ailments related to congestive heart failure, but she died peacefully in the hospital with her daughter by her side, and we know she is now enjoying her freedom from pain in heaven!

Born in Columbia, SC, she was the daughter of the late Herman Cecil Sauls and Virl Derrick Sauls.  Shirley grew up on River Drive in Columbia, attended the Reformation Lutheran Church, and was a 1961 graduate of the old Columbia High School.  She was the oldest of 5 children and is survived by 3 sisters, Ann Adams (Gurney-deceased) of West Columbia, Eunice Hobgood (Lewis) of Winnsboro, and Dorothy “Doodle” Hendrix (Jerry-deceased) of West Columbia.  Shirley was preceded in death by her brother Tommy Sauls (Gale) of Alcolu.  She is also survived by her beloved cousin, Bonnie Nelson of Columbia.  Shirley had many nieces and nephews but was especially close to her dear niece, Robin Adams Ellis of West Columbia.  

Shirley moved to St. George in 1974 when she married Alvin and remained there for 48 years until her death.  She was a beloved town resident, neighbor, true friend, Behling Street administrator, Piggly Wiggly regular, town hall caller, trash pickup reminder, street drain/ditch cleaner, yard worker, home cooker, and much much more.  Many remember her for working at Conoflow, the DMV, and the David Sojourner Senior Center.  In her Senior years, Shirley started attending Memorial Baptist Church where she was baptized and became a member in 2007.  Shirley was one of a kind for sure, and she had a heart of gold and left a void on Behling Street that cannot be filled.

Shirley is survived by her only child, Allyson Knight Hutchins and her husband John S. Hutchins of Greer, SC.  Shirley’s world revolved around Allyson and her three grandchildren, Matthew (16), Sam (14), and Claire (10) who knew her as Nanny.  She was so loved, will be sorely missed, and the memories of her will be cherished forever.  

Shirley is also survived by 3 step-daughters, Kathy Schirmer (husband Michael and son Jonathan) of Fort Worth, TX, Julie Combs (husband Paul, son Scott, daughter Katie) of Sterling, VA, and Jennifer Knight of Denver, CO.  She was predeceased by her step-son, David Knight of St. Augustine, FL.  They all spent many summers in St. George growing up and have many fond memories of Behling Street and the town of St. George.  

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at Memorial Baptist Church in St. George at 3:00pm on August 28th, 2022 with the Reverend Rawls Mitchell officiating.  Visitation will also be held at the church at 1:30pm immediately preceding the service.  Burial will follow the service at St. George Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Matthew Hutchins, Sam Hutchins, David Steward, Benny Westbury, David “NuNu” George, Jr. and Willie “Duck” Gilyard. 

Memorials may be made to Memorial Baptist Church in St. George, PO Box 566, St. George, SC 29477.