Virginia Pilkerton Knott, 84, of Hollywood died June 20, 2010 at her home.

Born on March 9, 1926 in Mechanicsville, MD, she was the daughter of the late Helen Mae Wood Pilkerton and the late William Archie Pilkerton, Sr..

She was the wife of John Richard Knott, Sr., whom she married on May 1, 1945 at
St. John's Church in Hollywood, MD and was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, MD.

After graduating from Margaret Brent High School in 1944, she worked on Patuxent River Naval Air Station as a secretary until marrying her husband John Richard Knott, Sr. and they spent 65 years married to one another. She became a homemaker and raised her six children and one grandchild on their family farm in Hollywood and was a devoted mother and wife. She was a kind and gentle person who took care of others first and foremost. She enjoyed cooking and sewing and making her house a home. She had the most beautiful handwriting and excellent grammar skills. She really enjoyed family get-together's and enjoyed country music.

She is survived by her husband, John Richard Knott, Sr.; two daughters, Linda Swarey (husband Israel) of Ridge, MD, Darlene Ridgell of Ridge, MD; four sons, John Richard Knott, Jr. (wife Donna) of Hollywood, MD, Charles William Knott, Sr. (wife Donna), of Hollywood, MD, Leonard Knott (wife Margaret) of Cape Coral, FL, Terrence Wayne Knott (wife Donna); and one grandson whom they raised, Shawn Patrick Knott (wife Susan) of Hollywood, MD.

She was survived by 17 grand children, 21 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. She was lovingly referred to as "Mamma Tink" by her grandchildren. She is also survived by her devoted caregiver and friend Rebecca Kelly.

She was the sister of Mary Burroughs of Mechanicsville, Muriel Bowling of La Plata, Carolyn Connelly of Leonardtown, Roberta Guy of Mechanicsville, William "Archie" Pilkerton, Jr. of Mechanicsville, and was preceded in death by her siblings Bernadine Knott of Hollywood, Lenwood "Teenie" Pilkerton of Mechanicsville and James Arthur Pilkerton of Mechanicsville who died in World War II.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 23rd from 5:00PM-8:00PM in Mattingly-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where prayers will be recited at 7:00PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 24th at 10:00AM in St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Father Raymond Schmidt as the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A reception will be held at the Monsignor Harris Center immediately following the interment.

Pallbearers will be Steve Hoopengarder, Donald Insley, William "Alley" Raley, Roger Ridgell, William "Billy" Morgan, and Charles "Pete" Mattingly.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Capital Campaign – School "Renovate" Project, 43950 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.