The Reverend Jerrold W. Knotts

The Reverend Jerrold W. Knotts, of Newark, Delaware, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, August 26, 2022.  Although knowing that their husband and father is now in the presence of his Savior brings his family joy, Jerry’s absence leaves a gaping hole in their hearts.  Left here, to await their reunion in heaven, are Jerry’s wife, Sally, and his daughters, Jennifer and Elizabeth. 

Jerry was a Newark native, born and raised.  He attended Newark High School where he excelled academically and was also involved in the music program and on the basketball, baseball, and football teams.  One football teammate and dear friend has often remarked that the actual games were easy after having scrimmaged against Jerry in practice.

After high school, Jerry went on to the University of Delaware where he studied history.  It was at the University that Jerry met his future wife, Sally, in a musical production in which they both participated.

Jerry attended graduate school at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.  His choice of seminaries was made after much deliberation (as well as with the knowledge that Sally was attending graduate school in Ohio).

After graduating, being ordained a United Methodist minister, and marrying his college sweetheart, Jerry moved with Sally back to his home state of Delaware.  A few years passed before Jerry and Sally’s lives were drastically changed by the birth of their first baby girl, and their second.  Twins!

In the United Methodist church, ministers aren’t permanently assigned to any one church; they are moved every so often in order to duplicate the founders of the denomination who were itinerant preachers, traveling to different towns on horseback.  To the vast disappointment of Elizabeth and Jennifer, U. M. pastors no longer travel by horseback; but, by pickup or by car, and even by cattle truck (in the rain), the Knotts family moved to several different cities, with Jerry shepherding the congregations of the various churches.  His role of pastor, preacher, and pray-er provided Jerry with pleasure and purpose.  He perceived at a very young age that he was preordained for this particular profession, proclaiming (while standing on the altar rail of his family’s church when he was five years old) that he was going to be a pastor when he grew up.

Through the years, Jerry enjoyed golf, acting and singing in community plays, and snow skiing with his family; and they all loved traveling.  Of course, music remained a joy throughout Jerry’s life, and he was involved with church choirs and special programs whenever possible.  Jerry’s beautiful tenor (and baritone and bass!) voice will be greatly missed.  Many have mentioned that he has now added his voice to the heavenly choir.  We know that our beloved husband and father will feel delighted and truly blessed to be praising his God in song for all eternity.       

We miss you, and we love you with all our hearts.  Until we meet again . . .

A Viewing was held Friday, September 9, 2022 from 10am to 11:30am at New Castle United Methodist Church, 510 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE 19720, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:30am.  Burial was in Ebenezer United Methodist Church, Newark, DE. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in memory of The Reverend Jerrold W. Knotts  to the Musical Theatre and Chamber Choir Departments at Hillsdale College www.hillsdale.edu

~Safely Home~

I am home in Heaven dear ones: Oh, so happy and so bright!  There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed I am now at peace forever, safely home in Heaven at last.

Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still; try to look beyond earth shadows, Pray to trust our Father’s will

There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand: do it now, while life remaineth you shall rest in Jesus’ land

When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; oh the rapture of that meeting, oh the joy to see you come!

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