Marvin Knowles, Sr., 74, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at his residence. The son of Charlie Pinkston, Nellie Lou Johnson, and Willie Knowles, Sr., Marvin was a native and lifelong resident of Palatka, born on  Monday, May 29, 1950. He was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church, East Palatka. He was a former member of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ and New Life Temple Church. He served as a longtime Sunday School Teacher and a Trustee at Pentecostal. He was educated in the Putnam County School District, and was a 1968 graduate of Central Academy High School. Marvin also attended St. Johns River Community College. Marvin's career in Retail Management spanned over 40 years. For 25 of those years, he was an assistant manager and merchandising buyer for JCPenney. He subsequently served at Belk and Goody's Family Clothing. He was also affiliated with ToastMasters, SCLC, and the NAACP. He enjoyed coaching youth sports, public speaking, bowling, and playing billiards. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his loving wife of 24 years, Geraldine Jefferson Knowles; brothers, Willie Knowles, Jr. and Dwight D. Knowles; parents-in-law, Junior Edwards, Martha Edwards, Horace Jefferson, Sr.; "like a daughter," Luisa Delarosa.

He leaves to cherish his memories: sons, Marvin Knowles, Jr., Norfolk, VA; Marion Knowles, Sr., Jacksonville; Darius (Gwendolyn) Jefferson, Sr., Tallahassee; daughter, Averi A.  Knowles, Palatka; 7 grandchildren, Marvin Knowles, III, Iwakani, Japan, Cameron Knowles, Norfolk, VA, Wynter and Marion Knowles, Jr., Selina Delarosa, Darius Jefferson, Jr., Darienne Jefferson, Jayden McCaskill; 3 brothers, Booker T (Wilma) Knowles, East Palatka; Anderson (Cora) Knowles, Green Cove Springs; Berdell Knowles, Sr., Gainesville; 4 sisters, Theresa Williams, Fleming Island; Beth (Larry, Sr.,) Hall, Palatka; Jacquiline (Nathaniel) Mulkey, Auburndale; Pamela Knowles, Palatka; brothers-in-law, Horace (Karen) Jefferson, Jr., Elijah (Gwendolyn) Lowery;  4 godchildren, Mevely Spell, Jarrard Valentine, Sr., Arthur Ward, Jr., Artavious Ward, Sr.; "like daughters," Cecilia Jefferson, Keisha Williams, Charlotte Knowles; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, November 15 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Celebration of Life will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 16, at Pentecostal COGIC, 624 N. 9th Street, Palatka, Supt. Emeritus Johnnie Shaw, Pastor. Rev. Horace V. Jefferson, Jr., Assoc. Minister, New Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church, Lake City, is the eulogist. Interment: Pattersonville Memorial Cemetery, East Palatka.