Elder Lavelle Knight passed away Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, in Hammond at the age of 84. He was a resident of Bogalusa.

Elder Knight was a member of Love Missionary Baptist Church and was currently pastoring at Pearl River Missionary Baptist Church in Sandyhook, Miss., and had pastored 57 years at various churches in Louisiana and Mississippi.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Reyer Knight of Bogalusa; three daughters, Kathy and husband Greg McKenzie of Pine, Wanda and husband Doug Freeman of Pine and Naomi and husband Henry McCormick of Picayune, Miss.; one son, Percy and wife Michelle Knight of Bogalusa; two stepdaughters, Connie Williams of Poplarville, Miss., and Ginger and husband Kevin Eavenson of Moselle, Miss.; one stepson, Elder Billy and wife Kristy Reyer of Purvis, Miss.; 20 grandchildren: Stephen McKenzie, Jason McKenzie, Michael Carroll, Rebekah Mount, Christopher Hunt, Shelly Hunt, Payton Knight, Caroline Knight, Missi King, A.J. Odom, Lacey Odom, Abby Eavenson, Amanda Eavenson, Shelby Reyer, Shelly Reyer, Sherry Reyer, Tyler Vaughn, Andrew Vaughn, Branham Vaughn and Korbyn Crain; nine great-grandchildren, Drake Carroll, Maddie McKenzie, Analyn McKenzie, Silas McKenzie, Nate McKenzie, Tanner Mount, Landon Hunt, Jacob Hunt and Naomi Odom; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Elder Knight was preceded in death by his parents, Oakley and Minnie Knight; his first wife, Virginia Day Knight; a brother, Douglas Knight; and a sister, Lucille Farmer.

Pallbearers were Stephen McKenzie, Jason McKenzie, Michael Carroll, Christopher Hunt, Payton Knight and Wayne Knight. Honorary pallbearers were Bro. Billy Barber, Bro. Douglas Graham, Bro. Rodney Graham, Bro. Billy Pierce, Bro. Wiley Graham, Bro. Buddy Breland, Bro. Mike Stuart and Bro. Richard Magee.

Visitation began Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, from 5 until 9 p.m. and continued Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 9 until service time of 2 p.m., all at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home chapel, with Elders Glynn Erwin, Jerry Blackwell, Jimmy Barber and Billy Reyer officiating. Interment was in Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalsua.