Feb. 5, 1931 – Sept. 15, 2012

NATCHEZ — Memorial services for Marianne Loraine Knight, 81, of Raymond, formerly of Natchez, who died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, will be at noon Tuesday at Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Marianne Loraine Anderson Knight was born Feb. 5, 1931, the daughter of Lotus Fern Wooley Anderson and William Austin Anderson. Marianne grew up in Ventura, Calif. She met Billy Newton Knight, who was from Anacoco, La. They were married in April 1949. To this devoted union was born five children, Connie Loraine, Gary Allen, Pennie Ann, William Curtis and Don Austin.

Bill and Marianne lovingly raised their family in California and in Mississippi. Marianne was a devoted wife and mother, always involved with her family, their projects and their friends. Her talents were many and creative — dancing, gardening, leather tooling, knitting, crochet, sewing, cooking, floral arrangements and she excelled at them all. Her gift of humor was perhaps her most special.

Life gave her a number of joys and gifts, but also a number of sad losses. In 1969, she and Bill lost their son, Gary, at the age of 16. And in 1972, she lost her adoring husband of 23 years in an auto accident. She wasn’t held down long, because at the age of 43, she enrolled in nursing school and earned her degree as a registered nurse from Alcorn State University. She eventually retired from nursing and settled in Raymond until her death.

Marianne was preceded in death by two sons, Gary and Bill; her husband, Bill; one grandson, Chad Dokter; and one daughter, Pennie Robertson.

Survivors include one daughter, Connie Ward of Valentine, Neb.; one son, Don Knight of Flowood; and four grandchildren, Justin Dokter, John Wharton Jr., Heather Wharton and Chelsea Knight.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.