Obituary

Melanie Magee Knight

September 15, 1949 - July 15, 2026

Melanie Magee Knight, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home on July 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 15, 1949, in Tylertown, Mississippi, Melanie was the daughter of Ott Magee and Mary Sumrall Magee. Throughout her life, she exemplified kindness, faith, and a servant's heart, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Melanie was the devoted wife of Billy Knight for 46 years and the proud mother of Holly Knight Stogner and her husband, Matthew Stogner. She was a cherished grandmother to Mari, Reagan, and Morgan Stogner, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She is also survived by her stepbrother, Hershel Creel; her sisters-in-law Sandra Honaker and Sharon Price; her special cousins, Juanita Tullos, Nellene Barber, and Dawn Sumrall Holcomb; her special friends, Dianna Thomas, Betty Lou Thomas, and Anita Wood; and her beloved Ladies Sunday School class members: Nancy Corkern, Lisa Hyatt, Emma Lou Gill, Lucille Kennedy, Sue Gerald, Jennifer Beltran, Kerry Sawyer, Janet Thomas, Judy Sumrall, Arlene Magee, Marion Stroud, Josie Breland, Rita Magee, and Patsy Jacobs.

She was preceded in death by her father Ottis “Ott” Magee; mother and step-father Mary and James Creel; her stepbrother, Gilbert Creel; her brother-in-law Donald Knight; and her father and mother-in-law Lewell and Effie Knight.

For more than five decades, Melanie faithfully served the Washington Parish School System as an educator, beginning her teaching career in 1972 and continuing until March 2026. She poured her heart into every classroom she entered and was deeply passionate about her students. Generations of children were blessed by her patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in their potential. Teaching was not simply her profession—it was her calling.

Melanie's greatest devotion was to her faith and her church family. She was an active member of Lawrence Creek Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years, where she faithfully served as the Ladies Sunday School teacher, played both the piano and organ, and helped with Vacation Bible School for 32 years. Her love for the Lord was evident in the way she lived each day, always serving others with humility, compassion, and grace.

Outside of her work and church, Melanie found joy in life's simple pleasures. She was an accomplished cook who delighted in preparing meals not only for her family but also for friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of encouragement. She faithfully delivered meals to others as a quiet expression of her love. Saturdays often found her enjoying yard sales alongside her dear friend, Judy, searching for treasures and making memories together.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Melanie rarely missed a Pine High School football or basketball game. Her love for athletics began early, as she was a standout basketball player in high school and helped lead her team to a State Runner-Up finish. It was also through her love of basketball that she met the love of her life, Billy. The two first met while keeping score together at a basketball game, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime. Together, they remained faithful supporters of local athletics, and Melanie continued to cheer on generations of athletes from the stands, rarely missing an opportunity to encourage her hometown teams.

More than anything, Melanie will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, and the love she poured into her family, church, students, and community. Her life was a beautiful testimony of service, kindness, and Christian love. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.

The family is forever grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown during this difficult time and a sincere thank you to Community Care Hospice for their loving support. We find comfort in knowing that Melanie has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Friday July 17th from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Visitation will continue Saturday at Lawrence Creek Baptist Church from 9:00 am until the funeral service at 11:00 am with Eld. Duane Ball, Eld. Don Jacobs and Eld. Jason Matheny officiating. Burial will follow in the Magee Cemetery at Lawrence Creek.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jaron Edwards, Mike Barber, Mark Barber, Myron Tullos, Leland Sumrall, and Josh Sumrall. Honorary pallbearers will be Greg Seal, Tim Sumrall, Linus Magee, Bolivar Magee, and Scott Honaker.