Bluefield University alumna Sharon J. Knick (Class of 1972) of Buena Vista, Virginia, passed away at home on December 1, 2018. She was born on August 5, 1952, in the Stonewall Jackson (House) Hospital.
Sharon was a proud member of the Bluefield University Class of 1972. She served as the Bluefield University Alumni Association president from 2002-2004 and again from 2012-2014.
“Sharon absolutely loved Bluefield University. Her commitment to her alma mater through the giving of her time, talents and treasures really did speak volumes to the heart that God put inside of her. Sharon was a servant leader to the core. She led our alumni association so well during her tenure on the Board of Directors, always pushing us to pursue excellence and always with our school’s best interest in mind. Sharon cared so well for those around her—she was always asking about your family, and if she’d be seeing you at Homecoming. Sharon exuded Christ’s love in all aspects of her life. Her laugh was contagious, her energy was exuberant, and her love for Bluefield University will live on through those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Homecoming won’t be the same without her,” said Jennifer Mitchell.
Knick taught first grade at Enderly Heights School in Buena Vista, Virginia for 30 years and continued her devotion to the students in the Buena Vista school system following her retirement. Sharon also served her community through the American Red Cross, the Rockbridge Regional Library Board, and the Rockbridge Retired Teacher’s Association. She was a faithful member of Glasgow Baptist Church in Glasgow, Virginia.
“I was a freshman at Bluefield University and she was a sophomore at Bluefield University when we met. We were friends for a long time. She was very kind and caring and made a big difference in a whole lot of people’s lives. She loved to travel and she really loved Bluefield University. She had a picture as her background photo on her cell phone of her in front of the chapel during Bluefield University’s Homecoming,” said Shirley Chapman Meador ‘73, who served on the alumni council with Sharon.
“Sharon has always been a serious and committed person. When I was president of the alumni council, Sharon was a key player in revising working documents. She always had a good word for our alma mater and loved her time at Bluefield. We have lost a wonderful ambassador for our great college. I will miss her at future homecomings and other alumni events,” said Dan Agee, ’73.
“She was always the person you could go to for information. She will really be missed and she was a friend to all. Sharon is irreplaceable,” added Bev Johnson Day ‘71.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Nancy Knick; and a brother, Billy. Those left to cherish her memory are her sister-in-law, Catherine (Kitty) Knick of Glasgow; nephews, Jason (Chrystal) and Aaron; niece, Marcie (Mark) Hill; great-nieces, Brooklyn, and Michaela Knick, Madison Hill, and Sydney Knick. In addition, many cousins, friends, students, neighbors, as well as her former classmates from Bluefield University, and all of those who worked with her on the Bluefield University Alumni Association will treasure her memory.
Gifts in Sharon’s memory can be made online at www.bluefield.edu/giving. Be sure to type “In memory of Sharon Knick” in the comments section. Sharon’s classmates and the alumni association board of directors plan to hold a memorial service for Sharon during Homecoming and Family Weekend 2019 (November 2, 2019). Her greatest gift was her kind heart and willingness to help anyone in need.