It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Betty Ann Knell, aged 85, who left us peacefully on April 9, 2025, in her beloved home in Perryville, Maryland. Born on April 13, 1939, in Maryland, Betty celebrated a life rich in love and dedication to her family and community.
Betty was a devoted mother to her daughter Beverly Ann Caldwell (Michael) and son Michael William Knell (Tracy), and a cherished grandmother to her granddaughters Jennifer Lynn Perry (The late Larry "Butch" Perry), Kymberlee Dawn Cage (Clayton), Allison Danielle Day (Tim), Brettelyn Knell Little (Brandon), Kyleigh Brooke Knell, and Sarah Jean Pender. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Madison Perry, Ava Perry, Levi Perry, Lennon Perry, Owen Day, Billy Day, Genevieve Myers, Jacob Myers, Johnny Cage, Braylon Little, Kamdyn Little, and the late Jaren Myers. Betty was also survived by her godson, Jason Jack. Her family was the center of her world, and she found great joy in attending their sporting events and celebrating their achievements.
A graduate of Aberdeen High School in 1957, Betty dedicated much of her life to caring for and nurturing others. She looked forward to her monthly lunches with her classmates. Her warm heart and loving spirit led her to become a long-time member of Perryville Methodist Church, where she participated in the visitation team, joined the "Holy Rollers" group to help create delicious pot pies, and taught Sunday School. Betty's compassion and kindness were evident in every aspect of her life, and she will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to uplifting those around her.
Betty's family and friends will gather to honor her remarkable life at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 927 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, MD. A public viewing will take place on April 13, 2025, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, allowing loved ones the opportunity to pay their respects. A funeral service will follow on April 14, 2025, at 12:00 PM, where we will celebrate the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind. All who knew and loved Betty are invited to join in this moment of remembrance.
In this time of sorrow, we hold Betty's memory close to our hearts, cherishing the love she shared and the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace.
Betty was also preceded in death by her husband William "Bill" Joseph Knell, her father Corbin "Coke" Grafton, mother, Dracy Todd Grafton, and siblings Corbin Grafton, Victor Grafton, Warren Grafton, and Beverly Van Duyne.
Contributions may be made in her memory to Perryville Fire Company, 920 Principio Furnace Road, Perryville, MD 21903, or Perryville Methodist Church, 325 Susquehanna Avenue, Perryville, MD 21903.
Online condolences may be made at www.zellmanfuneralhome.com.