Glenda K. McKnight, 68, of Centralia passed away, taking the hand of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, May 25, 2026, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. She was born on September 4, 1957, in Centralia, the daughter of Albert Gardner Jr. and Jewel Watson.

Survivors who will remember Glenda’s love and faithfulness include her beloved mother, Jewel Watson of Centralia, IL; devoted daughters, Renee (Anthony) Watson-Smith of Centralia, IL, and Natasha (Damon) Donald of Locust Grove, GA; precious grandchildren, Kalen T. Garrett, Jerry D. Covington II, Christian A. Covington, Kameron T. (Tayler) Garrett, Karrington T. Garrett, Jamier D. Covington, Amiyah S. Smith; treasured great-grandchild, Kiyomi N. Garrett; dear sisters, Peggy (Arthur) Moore of New Haven, CT, Helen Alexander of Milwaukee, WI, Deborah (Joseph) Blan of Las Vegas, NV, Sherry (Clyde) Kessee of Las Vegas, NV, Carmen (Rev. James) Allen of Shiloh, IL; and a host of special nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Glenda was preceded in death by her father, Albert Gardner Jr.; twin brother, Glen Ray Watson and her best friend, Joyce Harris.

Glenda was a beautiful lady of great faith, an active member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Centralia, where her love of the Lord was evident from the fruit she produced. She was an ever present help in the church kitchen, sharing her talent for making the most amazing dishes. Glenda had a wonderful singing voice and joyfully lifted her voice in praise to her Almighty God, in the mass choir. She contributed her time and expertise to aid in the success of the building fund process, excited to be a part of her growing church.

Glenda continued to shine Jesus’ light to the world while working at St. Mary’s Hospital for thirty-six years until her health would not allow. She was a loyal employee who did her job well and a ray of sunshine in each workday. Glenda absolutely loved to cook, ready to feed a few or a crowd at a moment’s notice. She liked to gather inspiration for creating new menus by watching cooking shows and then sharing these delicious meals with grateful family and friends. No one ever was accused of going away hungry from Glenda’s table. She had her favorite foods she enjoyed eating, with crab legs being at the top of her list. Glenda loved to travel, when she could, and enjoy moments with her family, over souvenirs with excited curiosity for the beauty of each destination she traveled to. Glenda was the heart of her family, loving each deeply and unconditionally with patience, kindness, complete support, and encouragement. Glenda has left an imprint of love on the hearts of all who knew and loved her. As her family and friends mourn her passing, they will continue to uplift those in need and be an inspiration to others as they continue Glenda’s legacy.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Centralia with Rev. Ronald Johnson and Rev. Charles Watson officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia, and an hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made in Glenda’s honor to her family directly. Online condolences and memories of Glenda may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.