Elizabeth Knox

Elizabeth Jean Robbins Knox, affectionately known to many as “Liz,” was born on November 14, 1942, in Midway, Alabama. She was the oldest of five children born to the late Clarence Robbins, Sr. and Ruth M. Robbins. She was raised in a home which valued education, family, and service. During her childhood, Liz attended Hayes Hill Elementary and Merritt High School in Midway. On December 14, 1968, Liz married her husband, the love of her life, James R. Knox Jr. To this union, a loving daughter was born, Cassandra Celeste Knox. They were married for 37 years until James’ transition in 2005. Liz pursued her higher education at Alabama A&M College, Huntsville, Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. Her professional career as an educator started when she received her teaching certification from the State of Alabama and taught at Clayton County High School, Clayton, Alabama. She later received her certification from the State of Michigan and taught in Detroit Public Schools for the remainder of her career. Liz taught classes in computer science, social studies, and typing. She kept her skills current by attending courses at Wayne State University. Liz’s successful and celebrated career spanned over 3 decades until her retirement in 1999. She was a member of several teachers’ organizations including the Detroit Federation of Teachers, the American Federal of Teachers, the National Business Education Association, and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. In 1990, Liz was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Governor of Michigan for her commitment to innovation and positive change in education. In 1992, she was awarded the Detroit Public School’s Excellence in Teaching Award for her outstanding performance at Farwell Middle School. In addition, Liz was an exceptional grant writer, helping her schools receive private and federal funding throughout her career. Liz was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness on January 1, 1972. She loved the ministry and wanted to share her love for Jehovah. She became a regular pioneer on September 1, 2008, and had the privilege to attend her first pioneer school in 2009. Liz continued to pioneer for over 17 years until her death. Liz was a loving wife, dedicated mother, and grandmother. She had many friends and co-workers who admired her charisma, generosity, kindness, dedication, and classic style of fashion. She possessed quiet strength and strived for excellence in all aspects of her life. She instilled in her family a strong faith in Jehovah, a sense of pride, and a commitment to sound character and integrity. All with a positive spirit that was embraced with love. Her love for her family, friends, and faith community had no bounds. Liz was preceded in death by her husband James R. Knox Jr., and two brothers, Clarence Robbins Jr. and Willie E. Robbins. Liz leaves to cherish her memory; a loving and devoted daughter, Cassandra Celeste (Darby) Settles, a granddaughter, Kayla Bryanna Upshaw, two sisters, Dorothy Williams, and Gwendolyn (Joe D., Sr.) Howze. a sister-in-law Marchella Knox, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. May Jehovah keep her in his loving memory

Elizabeth Knox

November 14, 1942 - July 11, 2025