Mary Margaret Lanier McKnight, 93, daughter of the late Thomas Theron Lanier and Pearl Smith Lanier, passed away on August 28. She was preceded in death by a sister, Hazel Lanier, a brother, Tom Lanier, and her husband, L.E. McKnight.

Mary Margaret was born in Benson, NC on July 14, 1921 and spent part of her childhood in Jonesboro before moving to Buies Creek in 1934. After graduating from Meredith College in 1942, she worked as a clerk in the naval shipyard in Wilmington for the duration of World War II. Following the war, she completed her training as an occupational therapist at the University of Pennsylvania and returned to Buies Creek to work for the Harnett County Department of Social Services. Later she worked as an occupational therapist for UNC Hospitals until her retirement.

In 1950, Mary Margaret married L.E. McKnight, and they made their home in Coats, NC, where Mac opened a drug store. They later returned to Buies Creek but remained active in both the Coats and Buies Creek communities. Mary Margaret was an active member of Memorial Baptist Church where she served on the floral and bereavement committees well into her golden years. She was a charter member of the Buies Creek Garden Club and was active in various book clubs and bridge clubs throughout her adult life. Her steadfast love as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend will remain with us always.

She is survived by two sons, Douglas McKnight of Buies Creek and David McKnight and wife Jan of Angier; one daughter, Sarah McKnight Boone and husband Holt of Cary; four grandchildren, Miles McKnight of Angier; Kristen McKnight of Wilmington; Wes Boone of Seattle, WA, and Emily Boone of Charlotte; one brother, Coyte Lanier and wife Gladys of Garner.

Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 1, 4:00-6:00 PM at the J.A. Campbell House, Highway 421, Buies Creek, NC. Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Memorial Baptist Church, 271 Leslie Campbell Avenue, Buies Creek with Rev. Dr. David Whiteman and Rev. Barry Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Buies Creek Cemetery.

Throughout their marriage, Mary Margaret and Mac helped many young people attend college. Memorials may be made to the L.E. and Mary Margaret McKnight Pharmacy Scholarship, Campbell University Office of Institutional Advancement and Marketing, P.O. Box 116, Buies Creek, NC 27506-9908 or to the Etta and Henry Stokes Daycare Center, Memorial Baptist Church, PO Box 485, Buies Creek, NC 27506.
Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 1, 4:00-6:00 PM at the J.A. Campbell House, Highway 421, Buies Creek, NC. Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Memorial Baptist Church, 271 Leslie Campbell Avenue, Buies Creek with Rev. Dr. David Whiteman and Rev. Barry Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Buies Creek Cemetery.