Edna LaJune Stracener Knight passed away Wednesday morning, March 18, 2026, peacefully after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and went home to be with her Lord. A celebration of her life will be held at Heights Baptist Church at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 2, with Rev. Billy Koinm and Dr. Tom Henderson officiating. The family will receive visitors from 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service.
“June” was born in Belton, TX. On June 4, 1939, to Owen Stracener and Edna Cowan Stracener. She married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Denny Morris Knight on November 23, 1957. The Knights were lifelong residents of Temple and devoted members of Heights Baptist Church.
She served her Lord in many capacities. At Heights Baptist in Temple, she served as Sunday school teacher for many years beginning in 1967 and church secretary in 1972. She was passionate about so many things including the Women’s Missionary Union established for Lottie Moon as well as membership in the church choir. Many people will remember June as a consummate performer. She performed at the Sportsman’s Jamboree, Temple’s Pioneer Day, many churches in the area and festivals including Temple’s Centennial celebration in 1881 with the group “June Knight and the New Delegation”. She loved to sing “Prairie Queen” written by her husband, Denny Knight. Later she enjoyed performing with the Rusty Dusters. She and her husband owned The Mason Jar restaurant in downtown Temple, and she was a homemade pie celebrity. By any measure, June was a bright and shining star.
June was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her beloved sister, Peggy Stracener Johnson, and sons, Randy Allen and Coleman Wayne Knight.
She is survived by her daughter, Deidra/DeDe Knight (Donna) of Dickson, TN, Brother in law, Barney (Linda) Knight of Austin, Richard/Ricky (Hazel) of Temple; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, the many friends of her church family and special friend and neighbor Beth and Jim Klein of Temple and caregiver Ella Reynolds of Dickson, TN.
She shared her love in songs, performing, crafting, painting and gardening. She believed her home, Temple and Texas to be the closest thing this side of heaven. As proof, she was happy to erupt with her version of “Deep in the Heart of Texas” with her finger proudly in the air! She was loved for her bright light of faith and optimism and will be greatly missed. Special thanks to the amazing employees at NHC Long Term Care Unit 3 team for their enduring love, friendship and care in June’s final days. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Heights Baptist Church Youth Camp, 1221 So. 49th Temple, TX 76504.