Barbara Denise Knowles' Obituary
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.”
Isaiah 66:13
Barbara Denise Knowles, lovingly known as Denise, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her daughters, Kerry and Jessica, were by her side holding her hands as Go Rest High on That Mountain played softly, accompanying her on her journey home.
Denise was born on January 6, 1946, in Daytona Beach, Florida, to Alice Malcolm Johnson and Ernest Johnson. She spent her early years in Daytona Beach before moving with her family to Cocoa Beach, where she graduated from Cocoa Beach High School in 1963. It was there that she met the love of her life, Joseph Howell Knowles. They married on August 20, 1966, beginning a partnership built on love, faith, and devotion that would span nearly sixty years.
In 1971, Denise and Joe settled in Clermont, Florida, where they raised their three children, Andrew, Kerry, and Jessica. Family was the center of Denise’s life. She created a home filled with love, laughter, comfort, and countless memories that her family will cherish forever.
After beginning her studies at the University of Florida, Denise chose to put her education on hold to raise her family. She later returned to college at Florida Technological University (now the University of Central Florida), earning her degree in Education in 1979. She taught at Groveland Elementary School before spending the majority of her 30-year career at Clermont Elementary School, where she taught third grade, fourth grade, and Exceptional Student Education (ESE). She retired from Mascotte Elementary. Through her patience, compassion, and dedication, she positively impacted the lives of countless students and families.
Denise found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid reader who especially loved James Patterson novels. She enjoyed Scrabble, card games, and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. She loved camping with family and friends, traveling when she could, and spending time at the beach, where she was happiest floating peacefully in the ocean surf.
A devoted Catholic, Denise lived her life with kindness, grace, and quiet strength. To her daughters, she was the picture of beauty and unconditional love. They will forever treasure memories of being rocked in her arms, brushing one another’s hair, family camping trips, and watching her prepare for a special evening out with her signature lipstick and radiant smile.
In her final years, Denise remained surrounded by the love of her family. Her daughters, Kerry and Jessica, devoted themselves to caring for both of their parents, ensuring that Denise spent her final years in the comfort of home, embraced by family, dignity, and love.
Denise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Howell Knowles; her son, Andrew Howell Knowles; her sister, Joan Marie Robbins; and her parents, Alice Malcolm Johnson and Ernest Johnson.
She is survived by her daughters, Kerry Julich (Jeffory Julich) and Jessica Zinn, whose husband, Matthew Zinn, preceded her in death; her granddaughter, Kiana (Kael) Knowles; her grandchildren, Mattie Campbell (Chase Campbell) and Chet Julich (fiancée Jyoti Kumar); her great-grandson, Eli Joseph Campbell; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steve and Susan Knowles; her brother-in-law, Jerry Robbins; her nieces, Stacey Hurley and Karrie Anderson; and their families, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
Though her family lovingly teased that she would be late to her own funeral because she was such a procrastinator, they take comfort in knowing she leaves behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and treasured memories. Denise will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud Grammy, dedicated teacher, and faithful friend whose legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she cherished.
A memorial service will be held on June 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the Hamlin and Hilbish Chapel.
Parking Information
Parking for Hamlin & Hilbish will be in the parking lot across the street next to Lake Eustis Christian Church. There will be cones, a sign, and possible police assistance with crossing. For those unable to walk or needing additional assistance, there is parking in the back of the building with a ramp to assist getting into the building.
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