Edna LaJune Stacener Knight

Edna LaJune “June” Stracener Knight passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, March 18, 2026, after a long and 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 Koen and Dr. Tom Henderson officiating. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the service.

June was born in Belton 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. Together, they made their home in Temple, where they were lifelong residents and devoted members of Heights Baptist Church.

She served her Lord faithfully in many capacities. At Heights Baptist Church, she was a Sunday school teacher for many years, beginning in 1967, and later served as church secretary starting in 1972. She had a deep passion for her faith and was actively involved in the Women’s Missionary Union, as well as a dedicated member of the church choir.

June was also a gifted and beloved performer. Many will remember her from the Sportsman’s Jamboree, Temple’s Pioneer Day, numerous church events, and local festivals—including Temple’s Centennial celebration—with the group “June Knight and the New Delegation.” She especially loved singing “Prairie Queen,” written by her husband, Denny. In later years, she enjoyed performing with the Rusty Dusters.

She and her husband were the proud owners of The Mason Jar restaurant in downtown Temple, where she became something of a local legend for her homemade pies. By every measure, June was a bright and shining star.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her beloved sister, Peggy Stracener Johnson; and her sons, Randy Allen Knight and Coleman Wayne Knight.

June is survived by her daughter, Deidra “DeDe” Knight (Donna) of Dickson, Tennessee; her brothers-in-law, Barney Knight (Linda) of Austin and Ricky Knight (Hazel) of Temple; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished church family, and dear friends. She also leaves behind special friends and neighbors, Beth and Jim Klein of Temple, and her devoted caregiver, Ella Reynolds of Dickson, Tennessee.

June shared her love through song, performance, crafting, painting, and gardening. She believed that her home—Temple, Texas—was the closest thing to heaven on earth. True to her Texas spirit, she was always ready to burst into her version of “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” finger proudly in the air.

She was deeply loved for her radiant faith, joyful spirit, and unwavering optimism, and she will be greatly missed.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of NHC Long Term Care Unit 3 for their enduring love, friendship, and care during June’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heights Baptist Church Youth Camp, 1221 S. 49th Street, Temple, TX 76504.