01/03/2026
Adrene Methvin McKnight
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Adrene McKnight never slowed down long enough to be ordinary. At an age when most people begin to take it easy, she leaned in. She chose adventure over caution, laughter over limits, and met life every day with joy and daring curiosity. In her 60s, she donned red stilettos and fearlessly rode the mechanical bull at Gilley’s. For her 80th birthday, she flew to Puerto Vallarta, where she strapped in and ziplined alongside a guide serenading her with Feliz Cumpleaños as the Sierra Madre mountains unfolded beneath her. At 90, she could still be found dancing at LSU tailgating parties, fully alive in the moment and immersed in the celebration and unmistakable Tiger spirit that surrounded her. On January 1, 2026, at the age of 98, Adrene took her final bow on earth and soared into the loving arms of the family who had gone before her, waiting to welcome her home.
Adrene was born in Natchitoches, LA on September 27, 1927. As the oldest of 14 children, she learned early the value of self-sufficiency, resilience, and finding satisfaction in everyday moments. Those early lessons shaped not only her strong work ethic, but also the confidence and independence that later fueled her adventurous approach to life.
She graduated from Natchitoches High School and attended Northwestern State College. Before beginning her career in banking, Adrene worked for the U.S. Forest Service and at L.H. Johnson Wholesale. It was at L.H. Johnson that she met her future husband, James McKnight. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work, shared laughter, and a steady appreciation for making the most of each day. Adrene went on to enjoy a successful 35-year career in the banking industry, rising to the role of Vice President, followed by an equally successful 29-year run at being retired, a season she embraced with enthusiasm that never faded.
Adrene was an accomplished seamstress who sewed all her own clothes as well as every outfit her daughters wore, including ball gowns, prom dresses, and suits. She also relished cooking for her family, and although she never knew how many friends her children might invite to dinner, there was always enough food to welcome everyone at the table. It was in her garden, however, that Adrene found her greatest sense of peace and renewal. Created almost entirely from friendship flowers grown from seeds and cuttings shared by others, it reflected the way she lived her life. Just as she nurtured her family and the many people she befriended, she lovingly tended each plant until it flourished and revealed its full potential.
When she was not working, sewing, cooking, gardening, or taking care of her husband and seven children, she filled her spare time by giving back to the church and community she dearly loved. She was a member of The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Catholic Daughters, Service League of Natchitoches, and St. Denis Garden Club.
Adrene’s Catholic faith was the quiet foundation of her life. It sustained her through seasons of great joy and profound heartbreak, offering her strength, comfort, and an unshakable sense of hope. In prayer and trust in God, she found the grace to endure loss and to continue forward with courage, love, and generosity of spirit. She passed that faith on to her children by the way she lived each day.
No doubt now that Adrene has gained her wings, she is serving as guardian angel to her surviving children: Mary Adrene Burback (Larry) of Seattle, WA, Lillian Kay Platt (Shep) of Baton Rouge, Patricia (Tish) McKnight of Natchitoches, James Hart McKnight, Jr. (Cecilia) of Natchitoches, Anna Lea Payne (Andy) of Many, and Sarah Jean Barthelemy (Bill) of Loudon, TN; her 20 grandchildren: Jessica Madrigal (Tony), Rachel Norman (Andrew), Joshua Platt, Jaimee Platt, Katie Hebert (John), John Kyzar (Leah), Chris Kyzar (Nycol), Dustin McKnight (Coree), Brandon McKnight, Kyndall Harrell (Keith), Amber McKnight, Megan McKnight, Andrea Payne, Drew Payne (Natalie), Amanda Fredieu (Tyler), Austin Payne (Nicole), Corinne Cooney (Chris), Callie Barthelemy, Dana Curry (William), and Michael Barthelemy (Amanda); her siblings: Ann McClanahan, Linda Dowden, Mary Crayon, Dannie Methvin, Donnie Methvin, Ronnie Methvin, Mike Methvin, and Pat Methvin; her 29 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and the many friends whose lives she enriched.
Answering her knock at heaven’s door with joy and exuberance were those who went before her: her husband James Hart McKnight, her son William Methvin McKnight, her parents Clotile & Roscoe Methvin, and her siblings Mildred Marquess and Richard, William, Robert, and Kenneth Methvin.
The family wishes to express love and heartfelt thanks to Adrene’s sister-in-law, Vicki Methvin, whose lifelong friendship and quiet counsel made her an essential thread in the fabric of Adrene’s life. A trusted confidant to Adrene and a steady, extraordinary presence to her children, Vicki’s love and loyalty were gifts beyond measure. They are also deeply grateful to Natchitoches Community Care and Hospice of Natchitoches for the compassionate care, kindness, and dignity they lovingly extended to Adrene during her final days.
Arrangements are under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, January 4, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, with a rosary at 7:30 pm. Services will be held Monday, January 5, at 1:00 pm at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception with Father Irion St. Romain, Father Louis Sklar, and Deacon John Whitehead officiating, followed by burial at Memory Lawn Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons, John Kyzar, Chris Kyzar, Dustin McKnight, Brandon McKnight, Drew Payne, Austin Payne, and Joshua Platt. Honorary pallbearers are her brothers, Dannie, Donnie, Ronnie, and Pat Methvin and dear friend, Gary DeBlieux.
Those who wish to honor Adrene’s memory may do so by donating to The William McKnight Award, St. Mary’s High School Athletic Department, 1101 East 5th Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457; The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 145 Church Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457; or to a cause of the donor’s choosing.
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