Shirley L. McKnight, 81, of Nelsonville, Ohio passed away November 3, 2017 at her residence. Shirley was born January 7, 1936 in Athens County, Ohio to Elmer E. and Mabel Smart. She was a 1954 graduate of Buchtel High School; played music with Bill McKnight and the Nitehawks for over 40 years; and attended the Wesleyan Church. Surviving are her sons, Brett (Lissa) McKnight of Nelsonville and Heath (Cara) McKnight of New Plymouth; daughter, Brenda (Charles V) Wachenschwanz of Nelsonville; grandchildren, Charles VI (Teresa) Wachenschwanz, Dr. Jeremy (Alyssa) Wachenschwanz, and Paxton McKnight; great-grandchildren, Charles “Chase” VII and Cade Wachenschwanz, Hunter Sebring, and Roy and Allie Maynard; brother, Bob (Carol) Smart of Nelsonville; sister, Yvonne Struble of Logan, and Shane Smart of The Plains; sisters-in-law, Joyce Smart of Nelsonville, Mary (Dan) Whalen of Logan, and Betty (Dale) Young of Nelsonville; brother-in-law, John Hoy of Logan; and many nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William “Bill” McKnight; sisters, Helen Pettit, Pauline Smart, and Audra Hoy; brothers, Eldon and Ansel Smart; and sister-in-law, Marvelene Smart. Funeral services were held 11:00 am Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at the Wesleyan Church of Nelsonville, Nelsonville, Ohio with Pastor Andrew Stine officiating. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville, Ohio. Calling hours were observed Tuesday, November 7, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Warren-Brown Funeral Home of Nelsonville. The family would like to send a special thank you to Rev. Mike Thomas, Fairfield Medical Center, Ohio Health Hospice, Dr. Charles Keller, and Charlene Jacobs.