For those joining us on Sunday, you are asked to wear bright, spring colors as we celebrate together!  

Laurie Lathan Knight, 63, passed away on March 13, 2024, at Duke University Medical Center. A native of Gastonia, she was the daughter of Frances Wilson Lathan and the late L.C. Lathan.

Laurie was a member of Myers Memorial United Methodist Church where she was a servant leader; offering time and homemade food to countless outreach ministries, forming numerous disciples as she mentored youth in confirmation, singing in the soprano section of the chancel choir, and leading the church as the chairperson of church council.

She worked at Cherry Bekaert Accounting, Tax and Advisory Services as their Client Service Specialist in the Tax Department.  For over 30 years, Laurie developed the respect and admiration of clients and coworkers.  

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband Tim Knight; son and daughter-in-law Adam and Micaela Knight; grandson Declan Knight; mother-in-law, Ruth Knight; sisters and brothers-in-law, Angie and Buddy Flake, Melanie and Jim Farlow; nieces and nephews, Victoria Flake (fiancé Rush Herndon), Lathan Flake, James Farlow, Angela Rumball (Jeremiah), Laura Holmes (Dan), Brynn Farlow, Brittney Wagner (Josh), John Kale, Shana Camp (Brian); great nieces and nephew; sister-in-law Sherry Kale (Steve); brother-in-lawRandy Knight; aunts, Joyce Woodhouse, Pat Ray, and Susan Allen; numerous special cousins.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Jay Knight and nephew, Joshua Flake.

The first word that comes to mind when describing Laurie is selfless. She loved her family; she loved her church; she loved you whether you deserved it or not. She intentionally formed unique relationshipswith every person she came into contact with.

And just in case you were picturing her as too angelic, throw in a fun, hilarious personality. She hunted for the dirtiest birthday card for her dad each year. She would plan jokes out for weeks specifically for you. She could burp the alphabet. She loved to laugh, and through all her health struggles she chose to keep that spirit.

We miss her. And we are blessed to have known and loved her.

Our family would like to extend special thanks to Duke for giving her hope, and especially to her nurses who she formed precious bonds during her final weeks.

A service to celebrate Laurie's life will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Myers Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Sally Queen officiating. Her family will greet friends following the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Myers Memorial United Methodist Church, 301 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC 28054.

Condolence messages may be sent online at mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Knight family.