In the early morning hours of Feb. 19, 2016, Frances Wise Wilkinson Knight passed from this earthly life to the joys of heaven from her home at Spring Creek Chalet Retirement Residence in Montrose, Colo. She previously resided in Franklinton for 63 years.

“Miss” Frances, as she was known, was born in Prairieville, on Dec. 15, 1921, to Eva Otto Wise and Giles James Wise. After the untimely death of her father in 1926, Frances, her mother and two brothers moved to Jackson, Miss.

She graduated from Central High School in Jackson in 1939 and from Hillman College, in Clinton, Miss.

In 1942, Frances married Lt. Patrick Henry Wilkinson who was killed in Germany in December of 1944. Their daughter, Patsy Carol, was born in April of 1945. In 1950, Frances married Wilmer Winston “Doc” Knight, a veterinarian for the state of Louisiana. Martha Frances was born to them in 1951 and James Winston was born in 1955, but lived for only one day.

Frances’ career was that of a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother and friend to many. She loved Jesus and spent her life demonstrating her love for Him by teaching Sunday School and serving in the Woman’s Missionary Union, holding church, association and state offices. Frances and Doc also served the Lord through participating in mission trips with “Campers on Mission.” They were charter members of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Franklinton and were active in all phases of church activity.

For many years, Frances belonged to the Franklinton Home & Garden Club and was very talented in flower arranging. This led to years of volunteer work in the Flower Building at the Washington Parish Free Fair.

Preceding Frances in death were her parents; her brothers, G.J. and Otto; her husbands; her daughter, Patsy Carol; and her son, James Winston.

Surviving family are Martha Frances Knight Elliott and husband Gary of Ridgway, Colo.; grandsons, Blain and Patrick Stewart of Bogalusa; great-granddaughters, Wiley and Maela Stewart of Mississippi; sisters-in-law, Earline  Knight Adams of Bogalusa, and Jayme Knight of Winnsboro; and many nieces, nephews and their families. Also surviving her are Cathy Elliott, Derek, Jackson and Cruz Ainsworth of Brandon, Miss., and Joanna Elliott, David, Nicole and Reagan Busby of Fairhope, Ala.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Hillcrest Baptist Church, located at 2201 E. Washington St. in Franklinton, at 3 p.m. Visitation will be at the church preceding the service beginning at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 2201 E. Washington Street, Franklinton, LA 70438, for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering or a charity of preference.

A life well-lived and well-loved.