Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
On the morning of April 13, 2023, Vanita Marie Morris Knight entered into eternity. She was preceded in death by her father, JD Morris, her mother, Josephine Morris, her nephew, Chuck Haist, and her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and several close friends.
She is survived by her spouse, Floyd Knight, her daughters Beth (Demetrius) Murphy and Brandy (Michael) Bilsland, grandson James (Taylor) Mapp, sister Virginia Haist, brother David (Carol) Morris, niece Kathalee (Tom) Peters (Makenzie & Aiden), nephew Jonathan (Jennifer) Morris (Emily, Tyler & Amber) and many beloved extended family and friends.
Vanita was born on November 24, 1945, in Atlanta, GA at Crawford Long Hospital. She grew up in Forest Park, GA, and spent the majority of her life in various cities in Georgia. She graduated from Crawford Long School of Nursing in 1966. She was the true definition of a nurse. She loved what she did and it showed in how much her patients loved her. She worked in just about every aspect of nursing including ER, OR, ICU, CCU, administration, and ended her career as an IV infusion and phone nurse for MS patients. She was also an Advanced EMT and became one of Georgia’s first female EMT instructors. She loved sharing her knowledge of emergency medicine and life-saving skills with others. She received many awards and commendations throughout her long career as a nurse and EMT. She had a very strong work ethic which she passed down to her daughters. More than anything else, she loved being a grandmother to her only grandson, James, and later to his wife, Taylor. However, she also loved being a “Nanny” to those who did not have one or just needed another to love. She was very active in her church and truly loved the lord. She enjoyed traveling, especially with her daughters, Beth & Brandy, and her favorite places to visit were the mountains and the beach. However, she did also love a good Disney trip. She was an avid reader and loved game shows. In fact, everyone knew not to bother her from 7pm-8pm nightly as she watched Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! She was loved by so many because when she became your friend, she was there for you for life and considered you family.
A celebration of Vanita’s life will be held on May 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Dunwoody Community Church (dunwoodychurch.org). There will be a fellowship to follow. We are asking that everyone wear blue as that was her favorite color. If you would like to do something besides flowers, please donate to either her church, Dunwoody Community Church or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BRCF) in her memory.
Kimberly DuBose says
I love u Aunt Vanita! U will be missed by many but ur memory will love on forever
Julie Miles says
We became sisters in every way in 1981. We shared an amazing friendship we talked every week even if nothing was happening. We prayed for each others family’s daily. Good bye till I see you again in our heavenly bodies with no more pain. Julie
Roger Parker says
Vanita, you will be missed by all who knew you. I had the privilege of meeting you as the result of the passing of your nephew, Chuck Haist, in 2005. We kept up with each other through FaceBook ever since that time and I always enjoyed reading about the travels you made with your family. You had a beautiful, loving and caring family. May you eternally rest in peace.
Megan Burley says
Nanny, this doesn’t feel real. I love you. You are the best Nanny anyone can ask for. You raised amazing children. You will be deeply missed. Thank you for loving me like your own.
Christine says
Vanita will be greatly missed, she was an example of amazing love and dedication to family to all who knew her. I know how very proud she would be that her strength, love, and joy live on through her amazing daughters and family. All our love to our Georgia family.