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Family Matriarch Remembered

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 13, 2007

PLANT CITY - A large number of family members, 70 to 80 strong, were joined Oct. 6 by 125 friends and acquaintances to pay their final respects to a family matriarch and former elementary school teacher.

Dorothy 'Dot' Iris Prichard Knox, 90, was fondly remembered at a funeral service at First United Methodist Church of Plant City. She died Sept. 30.

Knox was born in Wall Springs and moved to Plant City with her family in 1920. Knox, a longtime member of First United Methodist, graduated from Florida Southern College and began her teaching career at Mount Enon School, northeast of Plant City. Knox retired after teaching more than 30 years at Jackson Elementary.

The Rev. Earl Smith, pastor at First United Methodist, said that although they were there to grieve, the event could also be considered a celebration of Knox's life.

'Dot Knox had Jesus in her heart, and her church was a big part of her life,' Smith said. 'She lived her life full to the brim. She kept on going. Going to church, going to get her driver's license renewed and going to be with her family as long as she was able.'

Her granddaughter Mattie Knox said, 'How could you not love a grandmother who would allow you to eat desert before dinner?'

Knox had three sons, Jerry of Ocala, David of Plant City and James of Tampa. She had 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins, many of whom were in attendance. Knox was preceded in death by her husband, William Glenn Knox, and an infant daughter, Joyce Elizabeth.
James Knox said life should not be measured by money and material things, but rather by sacrifice and service to others.

'If the Guinness Book of Records included the most lives touched by a person, she would be near the top of the list,' he said. 'She had a positive influence on everyone she knew. She loved to teach. How fortunate it is for us that our teacher was also our mother.'

Glenn Knox was principal at Springhead Elementary during the 1950s and 1960s. Son David followed his mother and father in the teaching tradition and teaches at Marshall Middle School.

'Mother spent 30 years teaching sixth-graders,' David Knox said. 'She created many wonderful moments at Jackson Elementary. She inspired me to teach. It has now been 26 years that I have also taught sixth grade.'

David Knox's wife, Mary, is principal at Valrico Elementary.

Barbara Franques, the area director for schools in East Hillsborough County, knew Glenn and Dorothy Knox well.

'Glenn was principal when I first attended Springhead,' Franques said. 'Dorothy has been a mentor and friend to many of us in education throughout the entire school district.'

Dorothy Knox held several positions of leadership and was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Education Society and the East Hillsborough Historical Society for many years.

'Dorothy was always positive, encouraging and an inspiration to us all,' Franques said. 'Her wit and energy never failed.'

Smith related how Knox was greatly loved by her students and her peers.

'She loved her life as a teacher. She loved her family. She enjoyed people and was a wonderful role model,' Smith said. 'She was a grand grandmother who always enjoyed her faith in God. She spent her Sunday mornings with Jesus. We should all learn as she did to live with love of family and faith.'

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451 or gnewman@tampatrib.com.

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