Bettye Gale Knight

Bettye Gale Knight, age 82, born at home in the community of Buckhorn, Tennessee, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith, love, and devotion to family and church. She was born on October 9, 1943. Died January 20, 2026 at her daughter Amy and Adam Hope's home in Jayess, Mississippi.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday February 7, 2026 at 1754 Eagle Island Rd. Raceland, LA 70394 from 10 AM until service at 11 AM and a reception to follow. Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb is in charge of arrangements.

We want to thank friends and family for the loving support. In addition, a special thanks to St. Lukes's Hospice Tomeka and Shanerica, and family friends Teri Hawn, Janette Bossier for assisting Amy in caring for Bettye in her final days.

Bettye was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Flora Brown Hiefnar; father, Vincent Melfi; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Emelda Knight, Uncles Troy (Loretta) Brown, Bob (Evelyn) Brown, Bill (Margie) Brown, Leroy (Cindy) Brown and Wayne (Faye) Brown, sister, Dorothy Jean (Eddie) Walker; her sister-in-law, Edna Knight, Wanda Lee Hiefnar; Betty Knight; her brother-in-law, Arthell O'Daniel, Jerry Brown, Eddie Walker, Alton Knight and Vincent Lamartina; her nephew, Robert Pippen (Pookie); and her nieces, Nicki Lamartina and Cindy Brown.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Alan Jacob Knight, with whom she shared a life grounded in faith and family. She was a devoted mother to her children: Robin (Tony) Chapman, Alan (T-Alan) Jacob Knight Jr. (Melissa), and Amy (Adam) Hope.

In addition to her immediate family, Bettye is survived by her sisters, Melva Brown and Mary O'Daniel; her brother, Frank Hiefnar; her sisters-in-law, Beverly Hiefnar, Linda (Mark) Theriot and Nettie Lamartina; brother-in-law, Robert (Valerie) Knight Jr.; and her Uncle Donald Brown, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was always a loving and supportive aunt to Tony O'Daniel, Jerry (Lynn) Brown, Marvin Walker, Melinda Hiefnar, Anthony Walker, Kelly (Kelly Poo) Pace, Michelle Hammonds, Marty Hiefnar, Jason Hiefnar, Alton Knight Jr., Bryan Knight, April Thibodeaux, Shannon Knight, Richard Pippen, Erica Pippen, Brent Knight, and Peter Knight.

She was a cherished grandmother to Brooke, Amber (Cory), Katie, Zach (Morgan), Devin, Hannah, Breanna, Brittany, Katie, Rachel, and Rusty. Her joy continued through her great-grandchildren Shane (Makayla), Kara, Jacob, Penny, Aeva, Oakley, Kinsley, Adeline, Alivia, Adam (T-Adam), Jean Marie, Austen, Leo, and Wells, and her great-great-grandchildren Brooklynn, Remi, Ember, and Maisy.

A dedicated homemaker, Bettye took great pride in caring for her family and was known as an outstanding cook whose meals brought family and friends together. She valued her church family deeply and dedicated her life to Christ at Clingan Ridge Baptist Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. When she and Alan built their home on Eagle Island, she became a faithful member of Raceland First Baptist Church, where she especially enjoyed singing in the choir as a true alto, teaching Sunday School, and Bible Drill.

Country Gospel music was one of Bettye's greatest joys. Later in life, she shared that joy by visiting local nursing homes, singing and spending time with residents as a ministry of love and encouragement.

Bettye will be remembered for her gentle spirit, servant's heart, and unwavering faith. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing she has been welcomed home into the presence of her Lord and Savior. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." - Psalm 116:15