Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6 This Is Leavonia Story As She Wanted It Told Leavonia Young McKnight was the youngest of three children born in Warren county the township of Fishing Creek, N.C. on July 31, 1924 to Rev. Thomas H. Young and Pearlie C. Person Young. After the death of her father, she and her sister Olivia Marie were reared by their mother's sister and husband, John and Eunice C. Thrower in Macon, N.C. She always said it was truly a blessing to have been raised in this loving Christian household. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Little Zion Baptist Church located near Inez, Warren County, N.C. Leavonia was a faithful servant for the duration of her life attending various churches in different areas'of the cities where she lived. As a young child she had begin to show an interest in music. God had gifted the two sisters with the talent to sing. They sang on the choir with their brother Thomas. Sometimes the "Young" sisters as they were known would sing solos. People who came to hear the choir often made comments about their beautiful voices. Three of her favorite songs were "Precious Lord", "Oh Happy Day" and "Soon and Very Soon". Leavonia was educated in the Warren County public school system. While attending John R. Hawkins High School in Warrenton, N. C, she performed in school drama productions and played basketball, ran track and was a broad jumper. When she moved to Durham, North Carolina to live with her mother, she had already acquired another new interest to her list dancing. Her aunt, a teacher, taught square dancing classes and enjoyed teaching her young nieces the various popular dance steps at that time. When the local bands appeared at her high school she didn't miss a beat or step. This activity kept holes in the soles of her shoes and kept her mother's purse lean. Her late husband, Willie Earnest McKnight, often spoke about the first time he saw "Lee" as he affectionately called her dancing in Durham, N. C. and what a great dancer she was. She was lovingly called, "Mama Lee" by her granddaughter Lovetta and great granddaughter Charmaine and others who were fond of her. Leavonia attended Hillside Park High School in Durham, N. C. She had the desire to attend college. So, she took the College Preparatory course and earned her high school diploma. In Baltimore, Maryland she pursued other educational opportunities. In 1942 her interest in the welfare of citizens inspired her to attend Federal Defense School where she earned a certificate. In the KP Club-Adult Education class that she attended, she held the office of Secretary and Treasurer. Again, in 1962 she took a Civil Defense class at Booker T. Washington Jr. High School and received a certificate. When she came to Baltimore, Maryland in the forties to live, she and Willie began corresponding through the mail. They entered into holy matrimony on January 12, 1946 and from this union they were blessed with three children. One son preceded them in death, Lovett Evans. Their love and commitment to each other lasted until his death November 27, 2000. "May The Work I've Done Speak For Me" For many years and long hours Leavonia helped young people from all walks of life. She did this unselfishly, without the thought of personal gain. She faithfully with dedication worked in the PTA as Assistant Secretary and Secretary, Scouting, church activities and any other ventures that her children pursued. She took a giant step on March 19, 1960 that would change her life forever. With the help of her three children, the Holmes family and Arnett J. Evans, Musical Director, organized the now famous musical organization the Falcon Drum & Bugle Corps that is often mentioned in Kweisi Mfume's national bestseller book "NO FREE RIDE". Over hundreds of young people would come to know her as a mother away from home, a friend, big sister, counselor and spiritual advisor. During the existence of that organization she served as its President, Vice-President and Treasurer. She was blessed to have seen the great accomplishments that some of these young people had made in life as a result of her reaching out to them in a time of their lives when it really mattered. They showed their appreciation at the first Falcon Alumni reunion Banquet on Saturday, April 24, 1999. Who could have asked for any greater gift? In the Year 2001, Leavonia received a complimentary copy of another book about Kweisi from M. Elizabeth Paterra the author of "Kweisi Mfume Congressman andNAACP Leader" included in the African-American Biographies Series. The author thanked her for sharing the history of the Falcon Drum & Bugle Corps which made her book a tremendous success and also mention Leavonia's name in the book for some of the illustration credits and the date of the interview. Not only, was Leavonia equal to the challenges of helping hundreds of young people, she possessed a kind sincere committed attitude and would render help to neighbors and strangers who needed a helping hand. She was active in civic and community activities. People wanting to see positive changes made in their government and weren't registered to vote were encouraged by her to register. To carry out this principal, the Falcon organization participated in a NAACP's Voter Registration Drive. She also, worked in her community with the Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper's Clean Block program. " LEAVONIA'S INTERESTS WERE MANY" She was an animal lover and always had an animal of some kind in her home even if it just spent the week-end as a school project for her children or helping her young son Lovett with his pet sitting jobs for her friends while they were on vacation. She enjoyed shopping in the spring and fall at the various nurseries for new plants for her flower garden. She loved reading poetry and writing. She had a very scientific mind and like helping her children solve mathematical problems or recalling history making events. She also took pleasure in traveling, watching or participating in games or sports, listening to all types of good music, dancing, singing, attending gospel performances, fashion shows, live theatrical productions, watching her favorite TV shows or movies including Tyler Perry's productions. But, most of all she enjoyed the gatherings each year with her family and friends to celebrate her birthday. She also had great culinary skills. No one could get enough of her hot homemade rolls, ground beef casserole dishes or her two delicious three layer cakes. A coconut cake with a lemon filling and a chocolate icing cake covered with walnuts and a tasty vanilla filling. Not only were these cakes enjoyed by family, friends and co-workers, but they were shipped to other States and over-seas to be enjoyed by college room mates and army buddies. One of her recipes can be found in the Harris Scholarship Fund Family Club cook book of B ALTO., MD "Sharing Our Best" a collection of favorite recipes. "Life is never measured by the years through whichyou live, but by the kindly deeds you do and the friendly cheer you give. " Helen Steiner Rice IN RECOGNITION OF HER CONTRIBUTIONS" Leavonia Young McKnight has been the recipient of these awards: 1967- Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper's 'Honor Roll Award for superior work with young people and public service with out thought of gain. 1987-Family honored at the Baltimore City Fair and received the Mayor's citation from Clarence "Du" Burns for their contribution to the civic welfare of our municipality. July 28, 1998-A special citation from Joan M. Pratt Comptroller City of Baltimore in recognition of the love and joy she had spread which had enriched and touched the lives of many. April 24, 1999-Falcon Alumni Award of Appreciation plaque from the musical organization of young people she had mentored over the years. On Mother's Day May 12, 2002- "World's Best Mom" Special Tribute plaque of love from her children in recognition of outstanding performance as a mother. She had been employed with the Gibbs Tomato Plant Company now owned by the Hanover Foods Corporation, Londontown Corporation clothing, Domino Sugar Corporation and the Federal Yeast Corporation. After leaving this company, she later learned that they had been so impressed with her knowledge of chemical equations that once they had considered offering her a job to work with their chemist. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. " Psalm 23:4 Leavonia's Heavenly Father quietly closed this chapter of her life at 1 p.m. in Mercy Medical Center on Dec. 27, 2012 and entered her into eternal rest. In heaven, the angelic choir sings. It is the prefect and glorious beginning to an endless day. Leavonia leaves a legacy of love and beautiful memories with a very extraordinary daughter and companion, Poinsetta W. McKnight and two wonderful sons, Deacon, Dr. Ronald McKnight, DVM and Hiawatha G. Young, who during her illnesses had at various times been her loving, faithful and compassionate caregivers. Others who will dearly miss her are: a loving adorable granddaughter, Elder Lovetta Evann McKnight Thompson, four great grandchildren, LaKira McKnight, Asia Harper, Xavier Harper, and her sweetie Charmaine Renee' Thompson, a loving special niece, Dorothy Marie Alston, of Englewood, N.J., who surprised her with needed gifts and joyful visits. And also, during her illnesses only if it was just to hear her voice made many inspiring uplifting long distance calls to her. A special cousin, Melvin G. Alston, who helped in getting her to and from doctor appointments and other places she had to go and if needed, gave assistance to family members with her while at these locations. A loyal friend, Mrs. Pearlie M. Archable, who when called was happy to sit with her and tend to some of her needs, and a host of other loving caring nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4