Carolyn Burgess Knott died peacefully December 10, 2017 in Fort Myers, Florida. She was a joy to be around and will be missed by many. This wonderful lady was born to Jim and Inez Burgess on August 8, 1930 in the small village of Broadway, NC. Carolyn exhibited the rare quality of never speaking negatively of others. Her kindness and affection were demonstrated by her positive love of life and family. Following in her father's footsteps, Carolyn graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from UNC and spent several years as an active Pharmacist. In 1953 she married the love of her life, George "Buck" Knott. Their son George "Mac" Knott was born in 1956. After living in Raleigh, they relocated to Charlotte, NC where Carolyn began her long journey in Real Estate with Sandra Townsend Realty, After retirement she and Buck relocated to Sunset Beach, NC. Later they divided their time between Sunset Beach and Fort Myers Beach, Florida. After Buck's death in 2008, Carolyn permanently resided in Fort Myers Beach, Florida to be close to her son and grandchildren. Visits to Broadway were frequently on her agenda, where she spent time with her cherished sister, Doris Burgess White, better known by locals as their own "Thelma and Louise". Extended family beach trips were an annual event and enjoyed by all.
Carolyn lived life to the fullest. Her love of fishing was spawned by her father at an early age and never dulled. Living in Sunset Beach, she would spend many hours on her john boat fishing and relishing the peacefulness of the ocean water. She loved reading fiction, collecting sea shells, cheering on her Carolina Tarheels, researching genealogy, writing family genealogical books, and serving as the family historian. Carolyn was active in her community and in her home churches where she served as a Presbyterian Elder.
Most importantly, Carolyn was a proud and loving mother to her son. She considered her grandchildren, Lauren and Ethan, the greatest treasures of her life; highlighted more recently by the birth of her great grandchild, Hunter.
A memorial service will be held on January 13, 2017, 1:00 PM at Broadway Presbyterian Church, Broadway, NC. Family will be at the home of Chuck and Anita White and, prior to the service, at the church. Leaving to cherish her memory are her son George "Mac" Knott and Tammy Betz ; grandchildren Lauren and Andy Pritchett, Ethan and Blaze Knott; great grandchild, Hunter Pritchett; nephews Chuck White and wife Anita, Jim White and wife Eileen, Neil White, Ryan White, Christopher Yellig, Chad White, and Zane White; and nieces Sylvia White and husband Ned Yellig, and Kristen Hansen and her children Taylor and Alex. Carolyn's family and friends will miss her bubbling personality, unconditional love, and fierce loyalty.
Smith Funeral Home in Broadway, NC is handling arrangements. Interment at Broadway Town Cemetery will follow the service.