Janice Williford Knight

We want to begin this obituary the way our mom lived her life: “God is good.” Her expression of His faithfulness was always on display. We are heartbroken to announce the death of our mother, Janice Williford Knight. She left this earth for her eternal home of heaven at the age of 84, surrounded by her family and friends in her home. Our mother worked for Cumberland County Schools for over 30 years, where she made many friends that she considered family.

Mother was always a breath of fresh air and an encouraging word, a reflection of Jesus who loved telling people how proud she was of her sons (or as she called them “her boys”) and her grandchildren. She always wanted to welcome us with a hug and send us off with her favorite words, “I love you!” She loved to shop for a deal, especially sale antiques that she would find for a steal and sell for a profit. She was an entrepreneur! She dressed “to the nines” and was always on time, and in her elegant way could tell our dad ”that’s enough jokes Donnie.” She was the shining example of love and oh how she loved our dad, who cared for her so beautifully. She loved others, she loved her boys, and she loved Jesus!

Parkinson’s may have taken her body, but it did not take her spirit. She never complained, but always believed. She never said “why me,” but always “Jesus has a plan.” She may not have walked in years, but on February 26th, she took her first steps in heaven! The name Janice means “God’s graciousness” and a “gift from God,” and she fulfilled that name as she lived with grace, and certainly was a gift to this world! We can’t imagine life without you, Mama, but you are now healed and in the presence of the Lord. What it must be like to walk with Dad hand in hand down those
streets of gold!

We would like to end this obituary with the phrase our mother said more than anything else: JESUS!

Mom is survived by her three sons, Mark Knight (Kim), Brandon Knight and Jonathan Knight (Rhonda); four sisters, Terry Tanner (Jim), Reńe Stewart (Craig), Kaye Dee, Kimberly Matthews (Don); six grandchildren Michael Knight (Joanna), Cody Knight, Nicholas Lindley, Jacob Knight, Haley Knight and Connor Knight; and two great- grandchildren, Emma and MaKenna.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Donnie Knight, and her parents, John H. Williford and Dorothy Williford.

We will miss mom dearly, but will see her again in heaven. Mom, we love you!

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 8th, 2026, at Epicenter Church from 10 to 11:30 AM. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM with Reverend Mark Knight officiating. Burial to follow the service at Fayetteville Memorial Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice Williford Knight, please visit our floral store.