Lina Clifton Smith Knox

Lina Clifton Smith Knox, daughter of Julian Vereen Smith and Sara Moor Smith, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and beloved friend died peacefully on March 28, 2024, surrounded by family. Lina was raised in Tallahassee, Florida as the oldest of seven siblings. She graduated from Leon High School and went on to get her degree from Florida State University where she was an active member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. After graduation, she ventured to Atlanta, Georgia where she met Dean Knox. They married in 1967 and soon made their way home to Tallahassee to raise a family, and Lina began a career she loved as a History teacher at Maclay School. Lina was an active volunteer in the Tallahassee Community dedicating her time and talents to many and various organizations. Among those she loved and was passionate about include Goodwood Museums and Garden, Junior League of Tallahassee, The Tallahassee Literary Club, The Nature Conservancy, Maclay School Board and The Florida House. She was a devoted member of her beloved St. John’s Episcopal Church, where she served in countless ways. Lina also served as a Trustee on the Capital City Bank Board. Lina was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-five years, Dean E Knox. She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Kate and Brent Maters, and Sara and Jeff Merrill. She was an incredibly proud Yaya to Knox Masters, Drew Masters (Macy), Bryce Masters, Smith Merrill, and Harrison Merrill, and great grandmother to Hudson Masters. She is also survived by her siblings Charlie Belvin (Michelle), Vereen Smith, Fincher Smith, Donna White, Floy Mikel, Chip Mikel (Carolyn), and Doug Smith (Jill), and many adored nieces and nephews. Lina’s radiant personality, generous spirit, inclusion of all, and positive and joyous attitude was a light to everyone who knew her and called her friend. Her love and dedication to family, friends, church, and community is her greatest legacy. A service is planned for 1:00PM on Monday, April 8th at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 211 North Monroe Street. Visitation with the family will be at the home of Sara and Jeff Merrill, 300 Cortez Street, 4:00pm - 6:00pm on Sunday, April 7th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to either St. John’s Episcopal Church (https://www.saint-john.org/give/) or Big Bend Hospice (https://bigbendhospice.charityproud.org/donate). Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Knox family with their arrangements.

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Lina Clifton Smith Knox

August 21, 1944 - March 28, 2024