Marie Collins Knight

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Alda Marie Collins Knight, 90, of Blairsville, GA, who passed away peacefully on July 18, 2017 at Union County Nursing Home, Blairsville.

Marie was born on October 12, 1926 and raised in the Choestoe community of Union County. She was the youngest of Harve and Northa Collins' three children. An excellent student with a love of math and reading, she graduated with a degree from Tift College in Forsyth, GA. She married Jesse O. Knight from Brunswick, GA. After having five children, she chose to return to work to start the first library and teach in a new school. She taught in GA private and public schools for more than 30 years before retiring as the Librarian of Union County High School. She was a dedicated teacher, friend of all students, holder of high ideals, avid reader and sharer of books, and a pursuer of perfection.

Marie was a woman of great faith, integrity, and purpose. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother and poured her heart and helping hands into her church and community. She beamed around her grandchildren! She loved history, family heritage, and helped plan many family reunions and cookouts to celebrate the joy and love of family. She was a member of several service organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In the last five years, Marie persevered through the difficult progression of Parkinson's Disease. Her faith, mind and wit remained in tact, and though bed-bound, she still wanted to go places and see people. Marie's smile and presence will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and her love and spirit are forever imprinted on our hearts.

Mrs. Knight was was a member of Choestoe Baptist Church, and a member of Union County Retired Teacher's Association. She had been preceded in death by her parents, Harve and Northa Collins; her husband, Jesse O. Knight; and a daughter, Jessilyn Knight-Rock.

Mrs. Knight will be especially missed by her loving family members: daughter, Joyce Knight, of Woodstock, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Carol Knight, of Blairsville; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Cynthia Knight, of Blairsville; and daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Larry Whitt, of Crofton, Maryland; a sister, Wilonell Dyer of Blairsville; and a brother, Clyde Collins, of Blairsville; 12 grandchildren: Andrew Carmichael, Jesse Carmichael, Jason Carmichael, Justin Wight, Kalisa Wight-Rock, MaKena Wight, Alex Knight, Emily Knight, Tucker Knight, Anna Knight, Colt Wight, and Suzanne Ion; and 8 great grandchildren. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, July 21, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., to be held in Choestoe Baptist Church New Sanctuary with Pastor Ken Zollinger officiating. A eulogy will be given by Mrs. Knight's daughter Jennifer. the body will lie instate at the church starting at 1:00 p.m., until 1:40 p.m. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Andrew Carmichael, Tucker Knight, Brian Rock, Bill Collins, MaKena Wight, and Colt Wight. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as honorary escort to the family: Tommy Knight and Alex Knight. Burial will be in Choestoe Cemetery.

There will be visitation at the funeral home on Thursday night, July 20, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Flowers are being accepted, but if you wish, memorials may be made to Choestoe Baptist Church Building Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and fond memories with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.