Margaret Nell "Nellie" Simmons Knight

Margaret Nell (Nellie) Simmons Knight, 77, of Summit, passed away peacefully at her residence on January 19, 2026. She was surrounded by family as she prepared for her eternal home.

A visitation was held on Wednesday January 21, from 9AM until services at 10AM at First Baptist Church Summit. Dr. Larry LeBlanc did officiate and burial was in Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Osyka.

Margaret was born on July 3, 1948 in Progress, MS, the daughter of the late Lee and Juanita Simmons. She attended Progress Elementary School and later attended South Pike High School where she met Ronald Knight, the love of her life, in biology class. Ronald and Margaret were married on November 8, 1967, eloping to Anderson, South Carolina. After settling back in Pike County, she became a wonderful homemaker and mother to four children. Ronald and Margaret enjoyed 58 years of marriage. She was a faithful member of FBC Summit for many years.

Among her many God-given gifts and abilities were cooking, sewing, and crafting of all kinds. She delighted in entertaining family and friends no matter how busy her schedule. She spent time in God's Word and always made it a point to love on people who were hurting or just needed a word of encouragement. Jesus was her Lord and her family was her heart. Everything that she touched she made extra special, and life was so much richer with her sweet smile and compassion. She will be greatly missed on this side of heaven.

Margaret was preceded in death by her father, Lee Simmons; her mother, Juanita Simmons; and her brother, Arlon Simmons.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Knight; daughters Andrea Regan (Jodie), Deb Graves (Scott), and Brandy Hightower (Trevor); and son Ronnie Knight (Niki); 9 grandchildren Taylor Regan, Ashley Regan, Brandon Knight, Samantha Knight, Lizzy Knight, Meg Dupuis, Lincoln Graves, Drake Hightower, and Leah Hightower; great-grandchild Jackson Joyner; chosen daughters Jennifer Babb and Kristin Simmons; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Scott Graves, Trevor Hightower, Jodie Regan, Lincoln Graves, Clay Duncan and Ben Legg.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FBC Summit preschool ministry.