Deanna "Dee" Hardwick McKnight

Cayce, SC—A memorial service for Deanna Hardwick McKnight, “Dee”, of Cayce, SC will be held Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 4560 US-321, Gaston, SC 29053. 

Deanna passed away June 4, 2025 surrounded by her loving family after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

Deanna was born December 8, 1940, in Loris, SC. She was the daughter of the late Harmon T. Hardwick and Cleo Carter Hardwick. She was one of seven children.

Crowned Miss Ocean Drive Beach in 1957 and the local tennis champion, she and her family were an integral part of the community. She worked at her family’s business, Hardwick’s Restaurant, which opened in 1948. The restaurant, later named Hardwick’s Cafeteria in 1966, was a popular family eatery for 50 years. Music was a big part of Deanna’s life. She was a self-taught pianist and enjoyed sharing her love of music with others. She even taught piano lessons to several young students who loved “Miss Dee”. Among her other hobbies were painting, baking, sewing, and gardening. Whether covered in paint, flour, or potting soil, she was always up to something creative.

Deanna was a devoted member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 53 years. She dedicated her life to Jehovah in the summer of 1972. She loved spending time in the ministry, sharing the Bible’s truths with others.

Deanna was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Stuart D. McKnight (Angela), Maria M. Geiger (Kenny), and Mark S. McKnight; her grandchildren, Allison Otero (Bijan), Max Geiger, Brandyn McKnight, Noah McKnight, and one great-grandson, Mateo Otero. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Scabery; and her sister-in-law, Diane Hardwick.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Selena M. Robinson, and siblings: Earl M. Hardwick, Walden T. Hardwick, Louise H. Morgan, Juanita H. Smith, and James W. Hardwick.

Deanna is now at rest in Jehovah’s memory. John 5:28 says, “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out....” We earnestly look forward to that day.

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