Services for Gaylia Marie Knox, 79, are 1:00 pm Friday, at the Central Church of Christ; Bill Adams of Ada and Mark Parker of Tulsa will officiate. Burial will be at Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Criswell Funeral Home
Mrs. Knox passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2018, in Dallas, Texas, where she had recently relocated. She was born on October 14, 1938, to Jack and Bessie Heck in Tulsa. She graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1956, and married Shelby Knox in April 1965.
She moved with her family to Ada in 1969. In the 1970's, she worked as secretary and assistant to Dr. Ann Klepper and enjoyed competing (and winning) at the Pontotoc County Fair, with entries of holiday crafts and hand-made toys. Later she worked at Pre-Paid Legal for 22 years, before retiring in 2007. Upon retiring, she enjoyed traveling, especially scenic tours of Canada, as well as making gorgeous quilts and spending more time with her friends and family.
Mrs. Knox was an active member of the Central Church of Christ. She taught an engaging toddler Sunday school class for 30 years and enjoyed activities with the "39ers" group at Central. In 2012, she relocated to Midland, TX, attended the Golf Course Road Church of Christ and became a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. She was a close, supportive, and loving friend to many, and always had a big smile, encouraging words, and warm chocolate chip cookies for new neighbors. Over the years she made and gifted dozens of soft and comforting baby blankets and cuddly felt teddy bears to welcome new babies of her friends, acquaintances, and relatives. Among the many things that people loved her for were also her yummy party dishes and desserts (her Italian Creme cake was once sold for $450 in a charity auction!), and her sharp sense of humor.
Mrs. Knox moved to Texas six years ago, so that she could be closer to her children. Her doting love and support, and famous Grandma Gaylia's goodies (especially her famous Christmas sugar cookies, Apricot Brandy cake, and fruit breads!) will be greatly missed by her family.
Survivors include two sons: Greg Knox and wife Vesna of Dallas, TX, and Tim Knox and wife Leah of Midland, TX; grandchildren Drew Knox, Jackson Knox, and Ethan Knox; two sisters: La Fern Parker and her husband Jim of Tulsa, and Naomi Robey of Tulsa; three sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Heck of Tulsa, Mary Louise (Knox) Mayfield of Hugo, and Lottie (Knox) Smith of Tipton; brother-in-law, Joe Knox of Roland, and many nephews, nieces, and their families.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Shelby Knox, and by her sister Lilian Roberts and brother Ronald Heck.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
