Obituary of Nancy Knowles

KNOWLES MANTEO, NC NANCY ENTREKIN KNOWLES, of Manteo, died Sunday night, December 19 at her residence in Manteo, following a heart attack. Born in Georgia, Mrs. Knowles first came to Roanoke Island in 1969, with her husband Bob to participate in The Lost Colony, moving here permanently in 1980. During her long tenure with the production she performed on stage as a colonist, Dame Coleman and in the coveted role of Queen Elizabeth, the latter of which she portrayed for a record setting 12 years. After stepping down from performing on The Lost Colony’s stage, Mrs. Knowles worked in the production’s box office for many years, before retiring from the workplace to pursue her passion for gardening. Prior to relocating to Roanoke Island, Mrs. Knowles, an Auburn University cum laude theatre-arts graduate, working under the stage name Nancy Kaye, was a prominent actor in Florida’s Theatre Jacksonville as well as in movies and commercials being shot in the area. Mrs. Knowles is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert ‘Bob’ Knowles of Manteo; her daughter and son-in-law Robin and Hal Miner of Birmingham, Ala; her daughter and son-in-law Susan and Bill Black of La Grange, Ga; four grandchildren-Lynn and Holly Miner of Birmingham, Ala; and Stephanie and Adam Johnson of La Grange, Ga; a brother, James W. Entrekin of Columbus, Ga; and a sister, Charlcie Phillips of Mill Valley, Ca. Mrs. Knowles will be cremated and a memorial service will be at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in her memory to The Lost Colony. Twiford Colony Chapel Manteo is assisting the family. Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the on-line register.