Obituary

Patricia Ella "Pat" Knight Thrash

January 17, 1943 - July 13, 2024

Patricia Ella “Pat” Knight Thrash of Youngsville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday July 13, 2024 at the age of 81 of natural causes. Born January 17, 1943, in the town of Franklinton, LA, she was the fourth of Leon and Ella Knight’s five children, and their only daughter.

Pat attended Franklinton High School where she was an active student, representing the school with spirit and athleticism as a cheerleader, on the girls’ basketball team, and as the Class of 1961’s Homecoming Queen.

Pat’s personal educational achievements bore testament to her lifelong dedication to elevating children through learning, which she did for two decades. Her education included an undergraduate and a Master's Degree, Plus 30 in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University, as well as specialized certifications for teaching Special Needs and At Risk children.

That love of children was never more evident than with her own children and grandchildren. To know Pat as Mom - and Gram - was to know love, forgiveness, laughter, and encouragement to learn well, love deeply, and do the right thing. Discipline began with one raised eyebrow - enough to let anyone know they needed to toe the line. She was quick to cheer us on and just as quick to point out our blessings should we be tempted to wallow in our disappointments.

She loved music – if a song had a good beat, she’d dance to it – and sing along! Pat loved to sing – in church choir, in Music Club, as backup on a doo-wop record, and along with the car radio.

Pat was a woman of deep faith and an active member and volunteer in each of her church homes over the years. She continually strived to live as a humble, loving representative of Christ’s teachings of love, compassion, and acceptance, sharing generously of her time and resources to lift up and embrace not only her own family, but all those in need, locally and abroad.

Predeceased by the love of her life and husband of 28 years, Clarence Thrash. 

Pat is survived by her three children, Nora Brown Haile (husband Scott) of Tucson, AZ, Frank Brown (wife Heather, sons Aiden and Asher) of Maurice, LA, and Nancy Brown Wiebelt (children Nick Hamsa (son Bennett), Adam Wiebelt, and Lucy Wiebelt), of Folsom, LA. Surviving family also includes three of her brothers: M. Leon “Sonny” Knight (Juanita) of Poplarville, MS, Richard N Knight (Vicki), and Clayton S “Dinky” Knight (Carole), both of Franklinton, LA, and their families; her brother W. Russell Knight passed in January 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you join us in gratitude donations to pass on to Pat’s three heaven-sent care angels. Their loving, compassionate care made it possible for us to honor her wishes to the very end, and they gave generously of their time, often in sacrifice of time with their own children and families. Please provide those donations to Pat’s family at an appropriate time.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene Street, Franklinton, LA) on Friday July 19th from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Pat will be laid to rest in Ellis Cemetery next to her parents, following a private family ceremony.