Darla Knight, 82, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away on January 12, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

From a young age, Darla was a pure spark of electricity and joy. Born in Huntington Park, California, she was quickly brought home to Del Rio, Texas later moving to Sanderson where she spent her most formidable years. Raised alongside her brother, Johnny, and sister, Barbara, Darla found enjoyment in family, friends, and Elvis Presley. She spent much of her time visiting with close cousins, making messes and memories they continue to share even today.

As proud as Darla was to be a Texan, she was somehow even prouder of her family. In February of 1960 she was swept off her feet by her late husband, Bill Knight, and in no time, they were a family of four. As a military family, they moved frequently, living in places like Japan, Washington D.C., Nebraska and Memphis. In the fall of 1977, Darla and all of her boys settled down making Mississippi their home. She spent years in the credit department of Sears, where she was recognized as one of the top collectors in her region. Darla also devoted time to her youngest granddaughter's dance studio where she would remain as a receptionist for several years. While accomplished professionally, raising her children, helping to raise her grandchildren, and adoring her great-grandchildren was her preferred profession and a practice she perfected. Darla was a devoted and truly innovative caregiver and became affectionately known as Nannie upon becoming a grandmother. She truly lived to serve others and thrived as a homemaker. As she was told by her late husband, "I'll make the living, if you'll make the living worthwhile." Without any doubt, that's exactly what she did.

Darla was a devoted friend to many, an avid bowler, and a long-time Bunco Belle. She was a believer in Christ, a devoted Elvis fan, and a friend to her community. Darla left those she met feeling as if they'd been zapped by an electric bolt, as her smile was contagious and her laugh pure magic. In memories, home videos, and photos Darla will be remembered as an angel on this earth, with a heart as big as Texas.

Darla was preceded in death by her mother Nell Mae Freemen, father, Allen Thomas Freeman, and husband, of forty-six years William Thomas Knight. She is survived and forever cherished by her oldest son William Knight, Jr., and his wife Beverly, her youngest son Brett Knight, and his wife Lisa, grandchildren, Chelsea Knight-Champlin, Sarah Capaldo, Kaylee Wheeler, and Jeremy Parker, great-grandchildren, Thomas Knight, Kelsey Champlin, Oliver Champlin, Amelia Capaldo, Charli Parker, and Wren Parker, siblings Johnny Freeman and Barbara Kline, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Visitation for Darla will be held on Thursday, January 16th from 4:00 to 6:00pm at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Flowood, MS. A memorial service will follow at 6:00pm.