Mother Carrie Mae Knight, affectionally known as Betty, transitioned to her heavenly home on March 17, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family.

Betty first graced this earth with her presence on January 2, 1950, born to Elizabeth Jones in Cleveland, MS. At a young age, Betty moved to Erie, Pa and was educated in the Erie School District, attending East High School. She went on to further her education at Edinboro College.
Betty confessed Christ at an early age. She first served in ministry under the leadership of her great grandfather Rev. J.S. Richards at Calvary Baptist Church. Betty continued to serve throughout her life as an usher, choir member, and in 2023 she was elevated to the title of Mother by Pastor Emeritus Bishop Jesse N. Gavin at the Greater Calvary Full Gospel Baptist Church.

For 25 plus years, Betty taught preschool for the GECAC Headstart program from which she retired. She later rejoined the workforce through Sarah Reed Children's Center as a teacher's aid, continuing to impart the value of education and life skills into the youth.

Betty was a staple in her family, always finding work for her hands to do. She enjoyed hosting and attending family reunions, partaking in every family function, and traveling all over the country to share with the people who meant the most to her, FAMILY. Betty was an exceptional cook and loved to feed the community. On any given day, you could be sure to receive an invitation to a feast where everyone was welcome.

Preceding Betty in death were her husband Harvey Knight;  grandmother, Bertha Jones; mother, Elizabeth Jones; beloved son Marvin T. Jones, Sr; brother James L. Jones; aunts Carrie Mae Pelmore (William) and Estella Lentz; uncles William Hannah and Lonnie Jones;  nephew Eric Freeman, brother in law Charles Carson , and best friend Mary Jane Williams.

Left to continue Betty's legacy are her only daughter MSG Carla S. Barnes and her husband Michael; 14 grand children, Takisha Mathis, Andre Jones, Steven Deboe, Jasmine Johnson, Latifah Russell, Dashara Carson, Valyncia Coleman, Myciah Hughes, Martrel Glover, Marvin T. Jones Jr., Paige Collins, Jamaica Jones, D'Auzhanay Harden, and Keyzhawn Harden; 34 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sisters Bertha Carson, Esker Gore (Kenneth), Carmella Jones, and Mella Ann Lofton; aunts Mother Lucille Jones, Jinnie Ward of St. Loius, MO, Georgia Bush of Chicago, IL, Leola Fiffer of Greenwood, MS, and Dorothy Jones of Chicago, IL; godchildren Maurice Bibbs, Mario Williams, Krytisha Overton, Taree Owens, and Angie Pou-Tate; best friend Carolee Tate Hooks;  brothers for life Elder Jackie Jones and Vince Gore; sisters-in-law Jean Twillie Wilson, Regina Deboe, Mary (Jimmy) Jaycox, Deborah ( Reginald Sr.) Farmer, and Shirley Mitchell; bonus sons and daughters Richard Jones, Mark Knight Sr., Patrick Burnett, Garry "Groovy" Williams, Monique Porter and Gloria Potter ; and special nephew Derrick Allen, special niece Kesha Gore; additionally she leaves a host of cousins, relatives, her Greater Calvary Church family, and friends near and far who loved her deeply.

The family would like to thank each and every caregiver who took excellent care of Betty until the very end.
Friends are invited to share with the family for a public viewing on Friday March 27, 2026 from 5pm until 8pm at Greater Calvary Full Gospel Baptist Church, 2624 German Street Erie, Pa 16504. A Homegoing celebration will commence on Saturday March 28, 2026 at 12 noon with Pastor Colin Gavin eulogizing.  Service will be live streamed on Youtube page Official Greater Calvary FGBC. Interment at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Professional Arrangements are entrusted to Pitts Funeral Home 2926 Pine Avenue Erie, PA 16504.