Lillian Cecelia Knott
March 9, 1931 ~ April 10, 2026
With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Lillian Cecelia Knott, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who departed this life on April 10, 2026, at the age of 95. Born on March 9, 1931, in Laurel Grove, Mechanicsville, Maryland, Lillian was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, where she met and married her soulmate, John Webster Knott Sr., at St. George's Catholic Church. Together, they built a legacy of love and kindness that extended to all who knew them.
Lillian dedicated her life to her family, serving as a devoted homemaker and farmer's wife who found joy in the simplest of pleasures. Her home was a sanctuary filled with laughter, gardening delights, and a passion for nurturing both houseplants and the hearts of her loved ones. An avid bingo player and pitch enthusiast, Lillian enjoyed the camaraderie of gatherings with friends and family, whether competing in games or canning fresh vegetables from her garden. She found joy in putting puzzles together and had a special love for collecting coffee mugs, with each piece telling its own story. Lillian also loved a bit of thrill, often indulging in playing scratch-offs, always with hope in her heart. Dispensing love and joy wherever she went, Lillian will be remembered for her boundless spirit and the unconditional love she radiated.
She left behind her loving children Mary L. Clements (Jerry-Deceased) of Leonardtown, MD, John W. Knott, Jr. (Jean) of Leonardtown, MD, James L. Knott, Sr. (Betty) of Leonardtown, MD, Emma C. Knott (Ray) of Leonardtown, MD, Peggy A. Abell (William) of Hollywood, MD, Charles D. Knott Sr. (Donna) of Leonardtown, MD, Brother in law, James “Bunky” Knott, Sr. along with 17 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of her spirit and warmth.
Lillian was preceded in death by her loving husband, John W. Knott, Sr., Mother, Sorella Burch, son Joseph E. Knott, siblings, Benjamin Morgan, Charles Morgan, Lewis “Diddley” Morgan, Mitchell Morgan, Emma Walker, and James Morgan.
Pallbearers are Tom Clements, John W Knott III, James Lewis “JL” Knott Jr., William Ignatius Abell Jr., Charles Donald “CJ” Knott Jr., and Ray Knott III.
Contributions can be made to Our Lady’s Catholic Church of Medley’s Neck.
In the spirit of her loving nature, we encourage attendees to bring their fondest memories of Lillian to share, as we celebrate a life beautifully lived, honoring a woman whose legacy will forever remain in our hearts.
Family will be receiving friends on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM. at the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD. A Catholic Mass will take place at 10:00 AM on April 21, 2026, at Our Lady’s of Medley’s Neck Catholic Church in Leonardtown, MD. at 10:00 AM, Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown, MD.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
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Mrs.Knott, I will Remember all the Good Times at Father Andrew White School BINGO on Friday night, You was a Wonderful Lady, always spoke to me, Threw your Hand up at the Nursing Home with My Aunt MaryLinda, Hugs to The Family, I thought the World of Her, May Angels Take her To Heaven, Roy Buckler
Grandma,
Even though I will truly miss you and you have left a profound mark in my heart I know what is in store for such a wonderful soul as yours. Looking back on memories from my childhood until now there are quite a few to list. Some of the most cherished are the times spent going to Church with you and Pop Pop every Saturday evening then out to dinner afterword at Hardees or Mattingly’s to grab groceries. Sneaking over the fence most nights to stay with you and Pop Pop. Making more bubble blowing liquid with dish soap and water (worked every time) so that we could sit on your front porch blowing bubbles for hours. Riding to church with you and Aunt May. Learning to play pitch from you and the many games we had with Great Aunt Agnes and Uncle Joe. Helping you move your house plants in or out depending on the season. Let’s not forget the Green Thumb you had; you could get any kind of plant to root. You always kept us fed and made sure there was enough food to feed half the county expecting us to eat 2-3 plate full’s. The family Dance gatherings and you always requesting Blue Suede Shoes or Johny Cash songs. The phone calls to come over to fix your TV (you always thought you were a burden for calling me, but it was a blessing just to receive the call and be available for you). The phone calls just to have someone to talk to when you were feeling lonely. The many different drives we took to grab a quick bite to eat or to site see, you would always point out a tree or a bush in bloom and that was the simplest thing that took me 40 years to realize the gift you truly had to slow time down and enjoy the gifts that God provided.
There are many more memories I could write about, but these are my fondness of memories. I know you will be planting many flowers up in heaven, watching your birds and making sure everyone is well fed. You know I will always be available for a quick phone call if you need someone to fix that TV for you. Just know that your memory will never die here on Earth for all the souls you have touched. I Love You Grandma. Until we meet again.
We will miss your stories, puzzles, collections of tea pots and tea cups, and lessons on plants. Love, JL & Kim
Grandma,
Even though I will truly miss you and you have left a profound mark in my heart I know what is in store for such a wonderful soul as yours. Looking back on memories from my childhood until now there are quite a few to list. Some of the most cherished are the times spent going to Church with you and Pop Pop every Saturday evening then out to dinner afterword at Hardees or Mattingly’s to grab groceries. Sneaking over the fence most nights to stay with you and Pop Pop. Making more bubble blowing liquid with dish soap and water (worked every time) so that we could sit on your front porch blowing bubbles for hours. Riding to church with you and Aunt May. Learning to play pitch from you and the many games we had with Great Aunt Agnes and Uncle Joe. Helping you move your house plants in or out depending on the season. Let’s not forget the Green Thumb you had; you could get any kind of plant to root. You always kept us fed and made sure there was enough food to feed half the county expecting us to eat 2-3 plate full’s. The family Dance gatherings and you always requesting Blue Suede Shoes or Johny Cash songs. The phone calls to come over to fix your TV (you always thought you were a burden for calling me but it was a blessing just to receive the call and be available for you). The phone calls just to have someone to talk to when you were feeling lonely. The many different drives we took to grab a quick bite to eat or to site see, you would always point out a tree or a bush in bloom and that was the simplest thing that took me 40 years to realize the gift you truly had to slow time down and enjoy the gifts that God provided.
There are many more memories I could write about but these are my fondness of memories. I know you will be planting many flowers up in heaven, watching your birds and making sure everyone is well fed. You know I will always be available for a quick phone call if you need someone to fix that TV for you. Just know that your memory will never die here on Earth for all the souls you have touched. I Love You Grandma. Until we meet again.