Life Reflections

" I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." II Timothy 4:7

The sweet spirit of Mrs. April Shanette McKnight-Mickens of Columbia, South Carolina, passed from earth to eternity on Friday, March 27, 2020, after suffering complications from an illness.

Born to the late Mr. Lee Gus McKnight and Mrs. Glennie W. McKnight on May 2, 1984. April attended Williamsburg County Schools. She was a proud 2002 graduate of Kingstree Senior High School. April loved school; she was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. April furthered her education at Claflin University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and later earned a Master of Arts degree in professional counseling from Webster University. She was employed by South Carolina MENTOR in Columbia, SC as a foster care clinical coordinator. April made it her daily mission to ensure foster children in her care were placed in safe and nurturing homes where they could feel valued and loved.

Reared in the church at an early age, April was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Kingstree, South Carolina. After receiving Christ as her Lord and Savior, she served faithfully by attending church regularly and was an active part of the youth ministry.

April had a loving heart, and a beautiful, unforgettable smile that will be missed by all who knew her. Surviving to cherish her loving memories are her caring and devoted husband of four years, Mr. Randy Mickens of the home; three precious children, Devaris S. Mickens, Alexinna S. Mickens, and Shyvee K. Mickens, all of Columbia, SC; her loving mother, Ms. Glennie W. Mcknight of Kingstree, SC; an older sister Mrs. Desiree (Torrance) Wilson of Nesmith, SC; a twin sister Ms. Krystal E. McKnight of Aiken, SC; two nephews whom she affectionately referred to as her "son" shines, Isaiah T. Wilson and Torrance E. Wilson of Nesmith, SC; a devoted mother-in-law Mrs. Mary (James) Edmond; brother and sisters-in-laws: Mr. Jimmy (Marilyn) Mickens, Ms. Sandra Dean Smith, Mr. Steven (Edna) Mickens, Mrs. Bernardine (Maurice) Starks, Mrs. Laurie (Marlin) Jeffcoat, and Ms. Tamika Mickens, all of St, Matthews, SC, and Ms. Sherlyn Wider of Columbia, SC; aunts and uncles, Mr. Harrison (Jannie) McKnight, Mr. Paul (Landeas) McKnight, Mr. Andy (Regina) McKnight, and Ms. Lourine Shaw, all of Kingstree, SC; Mr. Levern (Jeannie) Burrows and Mrs. Roberta (Napolean) Sheriff of Hemingway, SC, Ms. Dorothy Wilson of Louisville, GA and Ms. Diane Wilson of Jacksonville, Fla.; great aunts and uncles Mr. Eugene (Martha) Whack of Cambria Heights, NY, and Ms. Dora Sessions of Baldwin, NY; two very dear friends, Ms. Courtney Pate and Ms. Shaneka Fortune, and a host of other cousins, relatives, and friends.

The COVID-19 Plan

Thank you for choosing Pressley's Funeral Home to serve your family during your time of need. We take the safety and health of your family very seriously. We always strive to exceed the expectations of every family and will continue to do so during this challenging time. Please feel confident that we have taken extra precautions to ensure our facility is sanitized and safe to visit.

Please help us keep our facility safe and clean by observing the following recommendations:

1. If you are sick, please do not visit the funeral home. This includes nausea, vomiting, cough, fever, chills, sweats, fatigue or any other symptoms that indicate you are not well. The bereaved family will be happy to hear from you by phone, electronic or other condolences.

2. Please wash your hands frequently. Use hand sanitizer upon entry and exit of the funeral home. It is recommended that you bring your personal hand sanitizer, facial masks, and nitrile gloves, if needed.

3. The Governor of South Carolina advises to limit public gatherings to 50 guests or less to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Pressley's Funeral Home carefully considered this recommendation and adopted it into practice effective immediately.

4. To accommodate the 50-guest limit, you will be asked to restrict your funeral service to immediate family and close friends.

5. If more than 50 people want to attend the funeral service, please note that a family representative will be appointed to manage the guest list.

6. The initial viewing for your loved one should be limited to immediate family only. The CDC advises to limit gatherings to 10 people or less. We are asking our families to help us communicate this to close friends and acquaintances.

7. If anyone in your family is ill, please ask them to stay home during the funeral service. We understand this is a difficult request; however, it is imperative that we take every precaution to prevent the spread of illness and disease.

8. We strongly recommend that all persons continue to follow the guidelines of social distancing; refraining from shaking hands, hugging, and kissing.

9. Please note that these are recommendations adopted by Pressley's Funeral Home. Please remember that your attendance at any funeral service or public gathering is at YOUR OWN RISK.

The Pressley's Funeral Home Staff will go above and beyond to accommodate your requests and exceed your expectations. Again, it is our goal to assist you in any way possible during the passing of your loved one. Still, we need your help. COVID-19 is sweeping the nation and is requiring our immediate attention and adjustments in the way we manage our services. Please be considerate of this and help us as we try to keep our families, staff and facility safe.