Obituary of Jean Marion Knight

KNIGHT Jean Marion Knight Horseheads, NY Jean Eleanor Marion Knight died with grace, dignity and courage in her Bethany Village home on Sept. 29 after a brief but difficult illness. She was 89. The mother of Margaret Knight of Ballston Spa, NY, and the Rev. Jonathan Knight of Horseheads, she was the widow of the Rev. John Knight. In addition to her children, Jean is survived by her sister, Margaret Schiffert of Hyde Park, VT, grandson Stephen Mutka and granddaughters Erin Nakamura (Daniel) and Rebecca Flowers (Eric), daughter-in-law Phyllis Bishop, three nieces, two nephews, their six children, and countless friends. Her son-in-law Bruce Adams (Margaret) predeceased her. The granddaughter, daughter, wife, mother, and mother-in-law of ministers, Jean's life was focused on the church and practicing her faith in daily living. She served as a faithful and energetic pastor's wife for close to 35 years, led Christian education classes for children and adults, mentored and encouraged friends, and served on countless leadership committees. Educated at Randolph Macon and the Univ. of Connecticut, Jean worked as a librarian in the New Haven (CT), Springfield (MA) and Thetford (VT) Libraries; in retirement she was an energetic volunteer and member of the Board of the Lanpher Memorial Library in Hyde Park. She was an award-winning poet whose annual Christmas messages date to1950. In addition to the miracle of Christmas, much of her poetry focused on the inspiration she drew from the natural world. A lover of beauty, Jean created spectacular perennial gardens wherever she lived. The riot of daffodils that circle the lawns and extend into the woods of her former home in Hyde Park will welcome spring for years to come. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Sat. Oct. 9, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Horseheads 2943 Westinghouse Rd. Horseheads at 11:00 am. Her burial service will take place at a later date in Hyde Park, VT