Elva Erma Clark Knight

Russellville - Mrs. Elva Erma Clark Knight, 94 of Russellville passed away March 3, 2019 at her home.  
    She was born May 31, 1924 to Roy Bradford Clark and Mary Elizabeth West Clark. She was the youngest of four children all of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in DeRidder, LA and graduated from DeRidder High School. Later in life she attended Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA). She was a legal secretary, court stenographer and worked for the Department of Welfare.
    While still living in Louisiana she met a young handsome AF Master Sargent in 1946 at a base cafeteria. He watched her walk around the room with her tray in her hand, and asked her to  come, and sit with him. When she asked "Why would I want to sit with you?" He very confidently replied "Because you are going to marry me." A few months later she did.
    Master Sargent Knight was a career military man, and Elva was his dutiful wife following him loyally from station to station. She was talented, beautiful, thrifty, a good cook, and a loving mother to all three of her children.
    Bernie and Elva had many memorable adventures with the military including being stationed at Sandia Base, NM where Bernie served on the Manhattan Project. Later in life Bernie went to work for Elva's uncle H.O. West. Bernie managed West's Department Store in a variety of locations throughout Arkansas. Elva, and all three of her children worked for West's Department Store or West Gibson's as well. Bernie retired from West's in 1972. 
    Bernie then took up private investigation and was a constable in Pope County as well as a deputy sheriff. Once again Elva was there helping him in whatever pursuit he had. She kept his books, did his accounting, and anything else he needed done. She fit the definition of a help mate. She was quite the guardian whenever Bernie or the children fell ill, watching over them continuously, and attending to their every need. 
    Elva started her own business in the early 1970's called Elva Originals. She took Arkansas wildflowers, dried them, and then arranged them in frames, brooches, chokers, and rings which she then sold to many prestigious gift stores around the state. She loved art, home decorating, collecting antiques, and flower arranging all of which she did in a very competent attractive manner. She was also a published poet. 
    Every night Elva's husband and children sat down at the dinner table, said grace, ate dinner, and discussed their goals, or plans for the next day. There was always a fresh linen table cloth on the table with flowers in the center. 
    Because of Elva's determination to put mothering first above pursuing a professional career her children were fortunate enough to grow up in the "Leave it to Beaver" household. Elva put forth extreme efforts to make all holidays extra special with hand baked goodies. Her children, and grandchildren will remember her most for that. 
    She was always mindful of the needs of others putting them first before herself. 
    Thank you mom! We won't ever forget you, and we already miss you. 
Burial was private under the direction of Russellville Family Funeral. 
Obituary and online guestbook are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com