Vanessa Marie Johnson-Knight

Visitation will be held on from 9:00 AM until Celebration of Life at 11:00 on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Beacon Light Baptist Church 4325 West Park Ave. Gray LA 7035. Interment will follow in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery 5072 North Bayou Black Dr. in Gibson, LA.

Vanessa was born January 12, 1969, to the late Jinnie Bea Givens and Gene Johnson. She departed this life on May 19, 2025 peacefully at home. She was the 2nd child born of 5 children. She was baptized at an early age by the late Rev. Williams at Triumph Baptist Church in Gibson, LA. Meanwhile she served as a faithful member of Beacon Light Baptist Church under the teaching of Bishop Herbert Andrew until she was called home.

On June 17, 1995, she was joined in holy matrimony to Dedric D. Knight. Their love endured for 30 wonderful years. Including a special vow renewal ceremony on their 10th anniversary. Throughout their journey together, they lovingly raised five beautiful children.

Vanessa was serious about education and loved to learn. She attended H.L.B, but she received her high school diploma through an adult education program. In the early 2000’s she attended Bryman college and received her degree in Theology. She earned her CDL license and proudly served as a school bus driver for the Terrebonne Parish School Board. She also drove for the council on aging in Houma, LA. She had a lifelong passion for cooking and was well known by all as one of the very best. After many years working in catering and the culinary world, she continued to share her gift by cooking for and feeding the elderly in her community. Her kitchen was filled with love, flavor, and care. Every meal is a reflection of her generous heart. Cooking wasn’t just her talent, it was her ministry.

She loved her family deeply and showed it throughout her words, actions, and unwavering support. Her faith in the Lord was the foundation of her life, and she never missed a chance to share his word. Whether at home, in church, or in everyday conversation, she spoke with wisdom, grace, and the love of God. Her life was a living testimony of faith, and spiritual strength uplifted everyone around her.

She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories to her devoted husband, Dedric D. Knight; her beloved daughters, Michelle Knight and La’Quintus Johnson, her loving son, Quinton Johnson and Donavon Knight; her two brothers, Steve Johnson (Tasia Robertson) and Sheldon Derouche (Trisha Derouche); her treasured grandkids, Sirkhylan, Kharlan, Khylie Lewis. Along with a handful of devoted nieces, nephews, and god children who were all blessed by her love, wisdom, and presence.

Sister Vanessa Marie Knight was preceded in death by her devoted beautiful loving mother, Jinnie Bea Givens; devoted father, James Gene Johnson; her son, Sir Michael; her two brothers, Willie Johnson and Ronaldlu Johnson; her maternal grandparents, James Givens Sr. and Flossie Gibson; her paternal parents, Shelby Johnson and Agnes Sims Nash Johnson.