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Lanette Louise Knight


Sunrise: December 15, 1954

Sunset: January 26, 2019

Lanette (Louise) Knight December 15, 1954 – January 26, 2019

Lanette, Louise Cantu was born to Floyd Allen Cantu Sr. and Doris Elizabeth Cantu on Dec. 15, 1954 at the Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio TX.   As the eldest child in a Navy family, Lanette was primarily raised in San Antonio, TX and San Diego, CA supporting her father’s duty assignments.   As a single mother of Michael Darnell Cantu, Lanette attended night school pursuing a certification as a nursing assistant while working at San Diego’s Community Hospital.  In Dec. 1977 she met Theodore (Ted) Knight and they began a life-long friendship.  With strong similar desires in achieving the American dream, they fell in love and married on Jan. 25, 1979 just less than a month before Ted’s third deployment to the Western Pacific.  From their union Alexander Lanier Knight was born and became the youngest child of a bonus family which included Michael and Melinda Angela David.

Lanette encouraged Ted to remain in the Navy as she eagerly supported his career in locations/ships in San Diego, CA, Long Beach, CA, Vallejo, CA, Bremerton, WA and Norfolk, VA.  Lanette was active in her children’s lives as a Team Mother for Michael’s little league Cardinal baseball team and Den/Pack Mom for Alex’ scouting activities.  As her entire life was one of supporting family and friends, Lanette volunteered to become an Ombudsman for the USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN 25).  In her role she assisted families in coping with the sacrifices, demands and loneliness of Navy life.  BAINBRIDGE’s Commanding Officer presented her with an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist insignia for her dedication in assisting families during the ship’s extended hostile deployment.  Lanette was determined to become the first in her immediate family to complete a college degree.  In 2001 she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospital Administration thereby accomplishing her goal and setting a personal example.  There were many evenings when the entire family worked on homework assignments after a wonderful dinner she had prepared.

As an evangelist, pianist and songstress Lanette’s mother (Doris) ensured that she knew and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at a very young age.  She studied God’s Word frequently and inspired her children to study and learn as well.  Throughout her career, Lanette worked at the Navy Exchange, Sentara Leigh and Chesapeake General Hospitals.  Lanette enjoyed playing bingo and gained a number of friends who shared her interests.   On 25 Jan. 2019, Lanette and Ted celebrated 40 years of marriage.  Her love and happiness was obvious to all those around her.

Lanette leaves to survive her husband Ted, son Michael and daughter Melinda, grandsons Marquette Lee and Theodore Alexander (TA) Knight.  She is also survived by her brother Floyd Allen Cantu Jr., Felicia Cantu, Antoinette Gadney (Carlos) and great-grandson Jeremiah.   She was predeceased by her son Alexander Lanier Knight, father Floyd Allen Cantu, Sr., mother Doris Elizabeth (Proctor) Cantu, brothers Alonzo Cantu and Howard.  Lanette leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.   A wonderful wife, mother and sister, she was loved by those who knew her and she will be sorely missed.

Viewing Monday, February 4, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Monday, February 4, 2019 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Portsmouth Chapel Interment Albert G. Horton Veteran's Cemetery 5310 Milners Road Suffolk, VA 23434

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Condolences(15)

  1. reply
    John Chandler says

    Ted, My deepest condolences for the loss of your wife. I was very sad to hear this news. Prayers to your family. Sincerely John

  2. reply
    Cliff & Rose Moon says

    So deeply saddened to hear of Lanette’s passing. Rose and I send you and your family our deepest sympathy and keep you in our prayers.

  3. reply
    Renee Martin/Rudolph Martin Jr says

    Ted,
    Very sorry to hear of your wife’s passing. Tiger and I send you our prayers for healing and will continue to pray for you and the family.

  4. reply
    David Gurulé says

    Ted,
    I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. From our conversations of your wife, I know how much she meant to you and cannot fathom the pain of losing someone as treasured as she was to you. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family; please don’t hesitate to reach out, especially during this difficult time. I pray that our Lord brings you and your family the much-needed peace during this sad time.

  5. reply
    Moraima Velez-Torres says

    Ted,
    I am very sorry and saddened to hear of the loss of Lanette. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers, and pray that the Lord will give her eternal peace, and fortitude to you and the family during this time of grief. Sincerely, VT

  6. reply
    LORI LEIGHTON says

    Ted, I feel like I lost my big sister. Lanette opened up her home to me and my son when I knew no one in Virginia. You both have been such good friends to me and my family over the years. She is truly missed. My deepiest sympathies.

  7. reply
    Joyce & Stacy Howard says

    To the family of Louise Knight. My mother & I express our sincerest condolences to you. Losing a loved one in death can be a very painful experience, but know that in time this kind of pain can and will eventually diminish. We’ve found that the Bible provides the best of encouragement and comfort for such a time as this. We are truly confident of this, surely no other book in the world can do so. Please, when you’ve time, consider reading Isaiah 25:8 & 1Corinthians 15:26 and know that these promises are true because God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2) May Jehovah, the God of comfort and peace, console family and friends during this difficult time. (2Corinthians 1:2-4) Our most heartfelt regards, Joyce & Stacy Howard.

  8. reply
    Craig Bacon says

    Ted,
    Tarita and I grieve the loss of Lanette with you. Praying God’s peace, comfort and strength for you and your family.

  9. reply
    Clifford A. & Amelia P. Bussey says

    Ted,
    Pauline and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful wife, Lanette. She is in the Kingdom with God. You and your family are in our prayers. We pray that God gives you strength to carry on the way Lanette would have wanted. Cliff & Pauline

  10. reply
    Felicia Cantu says

    Teddy you and Michael had my deepest condolences. We lost a true legend. Lanette will truly be missed. I loved my sister to the fullest. I know that the Lord has her now. She can now be with the rest of my love ones. If there is any thing, and anyway that I can help you when I get there Saturday, please do not hesitate to ask. I love you and Michael and I will see you soon.

  11. reply
    Al & Jenny Simmons says

    Ted,
    We are so sorry to learn about the death of your wonderful wife Lanette. I know its hard to cope with the loss of someone so special in our lives. We wish we could find words that would relieve your pain, but we cannot imagine what they are. Losing a close family member is one of the saddest life experiences possible, and words of true comfort are difficult to find. May the love of family and friends comfort you during this sad occasion.

    We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please accept our condolences and our hopes for your healing and renewal and know that we are thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow.

    In sympathy,

    Al& Jenny Simmons

  12. reply
    Sheryl E. Brooks says

    Ted,
    Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.

    Sheryl Brooks

  13. reply
    Becky Fockler says

    Ted, I am so sorry to you and your family for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. – Becky Fockler

  14. reply
    Jennifer and Greg Johnson says

    Ted,
    Very saddened to hear of your loss, you and your family are in our prayers.

  15. reply
    Rick and Mary Pittenger says

    Ted, I just heard the news and we are so sorry for your lost. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

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