Debra Jean McKnight

Debra Jean McKnight, 73, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on April 8, 2023, in Indianapolis, IN. (Debbie) as she was affectionately known as, was born on March 10, 1950, to Jake and Rozella (Armour) McKnight. She attended Indianapolis Public Schools.

Debra worked in neonatal care at Methodist Hospital where she was affectionately named “road runner” when carrying tirelessly for the newborn babies on the ward.

She also worked tirelessly in Dialysis of Indiana as a Renal Care Technician.

Debbie eventually settled in and began working at Walmart Stores in the Bakery department. She loved working and helping the customers all the way up until her retirement in January 2013.

Debbie loved the Lord, her children, family, and life. Her hobbies were listening to music, dancing and skating. She taught her sisters, nieces, and family friends how to skate and took credit for their growth.

Debbie was a member of Philips Temple CME Church. She was instrumental with the Phillips Temple CME Drill Team when her granddaughters and grandson were members. She enthusiastically took them to practice and attended their functions.

Debbie loved dogs, she purchased pure breeds and treated them with love and care as if they were her own children.

Debbie was preceded in death by her sons: Johnny Leonard Perry and Stacey Lamont McKnight, Rozella (McKnight) Golden, mother and Jake McKnight, father.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Jermaine “Jamie” Franklin and Cleveland “Tutti” Franklin Jr. Grandchildren: Keisha Denise Perry, Destiny Danielle Perry, Brittney Michelle Popplewell, Stacey McKnight Jr., Jermaine Franklin Jr, Carl Dejuan Franklin, Angel Darlene Franklin, Reign Dior Franklin, and Chance Franklin. Her brother and Sisters: Henry (Annette) Armour, Panzella (Robert) Dozier, Rudolph McKnight, Anita (Carl deceased) Kelley, Darlene (Temple deceased) Cosby, Alfred (Debbie) Mickle, Eugene (Pam) Boyd, Cheryl (Raymond) Baker

And a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.