Kay Crumpler Knowles

Mrs. Kay Crumpler Knowles (Katie Dell), 95, of Greenwood Drive in Clinton, North Carolina died on October 29, 2018 at Sampson Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.  A graveside service will be held at 1:00PM on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at the Clinton Cemetery, with Reverend T.R. Miller officiating and a visitation to follow.

Mrs. Knowles was a lifelong resident of Sampson County and daughter to the late Alvin Ernest Crumpler and Mamie Elizabeth Crumpler.  Kay was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clinton.  Kay married Charles Ray Knowles, Sr. on July 15, 1960 at the home of Pastor Ashley in Salemburg, North Carolina. 

Kay graduated from Salemburg High School and then went on to attend Pineland College.  During World War II Kay served her country by working with the United States Department of the Navy and Secret Service in Washington, D.C., where she worked with secret and confidential communications.  After the war, Kay moved to New York City where she was a runway model with Barbizon Modeling.  After her time in New York, Kay moved back to North Carolina where she obtained a cosmetology license.  Kay went on to open four beauty salons during her lifetime, one of which was located in Clinton, where Kay worked for nearly fifty years.  Kay was known for her cleanliness and organizational skills, her kindness, and calling everyone “honey.”

Mrs. Knowles was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ray Knowles Sr., and siblings, Annie Ruth Caison Crumpler Jones, Annie Laurie Crumpler Crumpler, Rolle Crosban Crumpler, Lorenza Gibson “Gib” Crumpler, Charles “Charlie” Roby Crumpler, Alice Crumpler Gosstyla, and Ernest Honeycutt “E.H.” Crumpler.  Mrs. Knowles is survived by her daughter, Kay Ann Knowles Evans and husband Warren of Clinton, son Charles Ray Knowles, Jr., and grandchildren, Kam Miller, Charlie Knowles, and Lizzie Knowles. 

Family will receive friends at the home of Kay Ann Evans on Tomahawk Trail in Clinton, North Carolina.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Clinton.

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