PAULEAN MERRIWETHER – KNIGHT was born on March 23, 1947, as the first child born to Moses & Allean Merriwether in Edgefield, South Carolina. She was called to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Carey Hill Baptist Church. She was raised with strong traditional Baptist southern roots which she maintained throughout her entire life.

She and her parents relocated to New York, where she graduated with honors from Jamaica High School in 1964. She later began her career as a bookkeeper with the New York City government. In 1969, she met and fell in love with her first husband, Leon Kirby. They married and made their home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they were blessed with two daughters, Kenya and Martice. They remained devoted co-parents and lifelong friends.

Love found her again when she met and married her second husband, Walter Ware.Together they built a loving home in Sicklerville, New Jersey. Sharing a deep commitment to family, they adopted and raised two children, Tiffany and Kline,surrounding their household with warmth and abundance. Sadly, Walter later passed away due to a heart condition.

She was blessed to find love once more when she met and married Murphy Knight in September 1998. They were ordained as deacon and deaconess at Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church. Their union flourished for more than twenty years, until Murphy was called home to be with the Lord. Deeply rooted in her faith, she was an active and devoted member of her church, where she faithfully served as president of the Pastor’s Aide and various other ministries

Paulean was also known for her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. She founded and operated a commercial cleaning business in southern New Jersey, building it into a thriving and respected enterprise. She was an outstanding cook and was well-kown for her soulful meals and delectable desserts.

On March 1, 2026, the sun gently set on the life of this extraordinary woman, as the Father called another angel home to rest in His presence. Though her earthly heart hasgrown still, her spirit now rejoices in a peace and joy that surpasses all understanding.She has been reunited with her Heavenly Father, beloved mother and father, husband Murphy, granddaughter Nazia, grandsons Darren and Sirak (JuJu), brother Pre, sister Renee, and many other treasured relatives and dear friends who welcomed her home.

A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories. She is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Kenya Meheret (Sirak), Martice Kirby-Hussain (Asif), Tiffany Merriwether,and her son, Kline Merriwether. She also leaves to treasure her memory, her four grandchildren—Asif Nawaz, Adil, and Marcus Meheret, a granddaughter in law Katherine Kirby—and four great-grandchildren, Alize, Corey, Kai’le, and London.

She is further survived by her two sisters, Julia Merriwether and Novella Merriwether-Walker (Dennis); her two brothers, Antonelli (Linda) and Keith (Cheryl); her sister-in-law,Gaynelle Rice Merriwether; and a host of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. In addition, she leaves behind a vast circle of relatives, friends, admirers, and well-wishers, all of whom feel deeply blessed to have known and loved Paulean Merriwether-Knight.