Anna Lavan Knowles
Anna LeVan Knowles, 86, of Lynchburg, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Hixson, Tennessee, on July 1, 1939, she was the daughter of the late James Monroe LeVan and Mary Westbrook LeVan.
Anna’s life was a beautiful reflection of her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. She was a bold witness for the Gospel, never missing an opportunity to share God’s love with others. One of her greatest passions was prison ministry, where she faithfully served and touched countless lives with compassion, encouragement, and the hope of salvation.
She retired from Liberty University, where she worked in the Student Clinic, caring deeply for those around her. A longtime member of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Anna’s faith was the foundation of her life and the legacy she leaves behind.
Above all, Anna cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who filled her home with warmth, laughter, and prayer.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Harold Lee Knowles; two daughters, Lee Ann Knowles Schaner (Jim) and Angel Knowles Voggenreiter (Kurt); one son, Kyle LeVan Knowles (Danielle); seven grandchildren, Jennifer Current, Jonathan Current (Megan), Kelsie K. Borsay (Andrew), Abby Voggenreiter, Trey Voggenreiter, Makella Knowles, and Elijah Knowles; four great-grandchildren, Evangeline, Christian, June, and Wilder; one brother, Mike LeVan; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill Hartman, Carolyn Fauber, David Knowles (Ernesteene), Diane Burnett (Joe), Shelby Seay (James) and John Knowles (Sherry).
A service celebrating Anna’s life and faith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Thomas Road Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Johnson and Rev. Garry Sims officiating. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.
Because of Anna’s deep passion for prison ministry, those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Hope Aglow Ministries, PO Box 1017, Lynchburg, VA 24501.
