Knowles – Lelia Edwina Knowles, age 80, of Bryceville, Florida affectionately known as "Granny" passed away on January 22, 2024, at Life Care Center of Orange Park. She was born in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Arthur Edgar Nettles and Willie Myrtle Veal Nettles on May 6, 1943. Lelia and her late husband, Calvin Knowles, Sr. married on June 13, 1959, and shared 60 beautiful years together. In 2005, Lelia and Calvin, Sr. moved from Jacksonville, Florida to Bryceville, Florida and loved the laid back, country atmosphere. They resided there until he passed in 2019. Lelia and Calvin, Sr. were faithful members of New Beginnings Ministries and enjoyed attending services there.  She also enjoyed gardening, tending to her yard work, crossword puzzles, shopping at Walmart and cooking Sunday meals for her family. More than anything, Lelia loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  Lelia was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother who will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Willie Nettles; husband, Clavin Knowles, Sr.; daughter, Annette Erwin.

Lelia is survived by her children, Sherry (Donnie) Simmons of Starke, FL, Calvin Knowles, Jr. of Bryceville, FL; brothers, James (Linda) Nettles of Callahan, FL, Al (Jan) Nettles of Callahan, FL; sister, Velma (Marion) Carter of Lake City, FL; grandchildren, Melissa (Matthew) Evans, Shawn (Candace) Knowles, Sonya Brantley, Tally (Ivan) Moon, Cory (Kim) Dubee, Daniel (Jessica) Simmons, Michael (Angela) Sistrunk, Jeramie (Michele) Erwin, Neal (Lisa) Erwin, Scott (Brooke) Erwin, Jospeh (Destinee) Erwin; and numerous great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Lelia's Life will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Nassau Funeral Home with Pastor Ernest Tatum and Pastor Melvin Schemer officiating.  Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.