Norma Faye Knight, 92, passed away May 25, 2022, at Springfield Rehabilitation, after a very short illness.

The daughter of Henry and Maude Rader, Norma was born December 15, 1929, in Niangua, MO. After her mother died in 1937, Norma was raised by her beloved aunt and uncle, Dr. and Mrs. Jay H. Day.

Norma graduated from Niangua High School in 1947 and went on to receive a bachelors and a masters from Drury University, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She became an elementary school teacher and taught various grades for over 50 years—first in Niangua and Strafford, later and for most of those years in Springfield public schools. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa educational sorority and was a past member of Delta Kappa Gamma professional sorority.

In 1950 Norma married the love of her life, W. H. (Herb) Knight. As Norma's maiden name was long since Day, she and Herb were forever Knight and Day. When Herb passed away just two years ago they had been happily married for only a few months shy of 70 years.

Norma was a member of the Christian Church since age 12. She belonged to the Central Christian Church in Springfield where she was active in the Christian Women's Fellowship, was a past chairman of the prayer chain and of the Home Builders Class. She was also a 25-year member of the Sorosis Club for which she held offices both locally and in the sixth district.

Norma and Herb were avid travelers. As travel trailer warriors they traversed the whole United States. They spent extra time in the Northeast (Norma loved hunting up all the different lighthouses) and in the Western states—she especially loved Colorado. They spent countless weekends at Bennet Springs State Park, where they kept their beloved trailer for each whole season. That's where Norma would read and grade papers in the lovely park while Herb (who was a noted trout fishing expert) fished, usually for what became a fine fresh fish dinner.

For reading Norma especially loved American history, and poetry. She was also an avid collector of Belleek Irish china, and vintage items. She spent many happy weekend days browsing antique stores and estate sales near and far, looking for treasures.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband Herb, her sister Dorothy McClanahan and husband Kenneth, and her brother Ned Day. She is survived by her sister Shirley Bower; sister in law Juanita Day; niece Diane Wining and children Kendra Wining, Audrey McClanahan and Alex Wining; nephew Mark McClanahan, wife Carla, daughter Sarah; nephew James Day, wife Carol, daughter Jennifer Halterman and husband Scott, sons Bryce and Blake, daughter April Sewell and husband Jason; nephew Russell Day, wife Janine, daughter Kimberly O'Shaughnessy and husband John, daughter Caroline.

She is also survived by many friends, and by the many (often shared with her) fond memories among her former students. All will remember Norma as extraordinarily bright, kind, thoughtful, and always positive, wearing a smile.

Visitation will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, May 31, at Central Christian Church, with funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served at the church after the service for all who wish to join.  Burial will follow at Maple Park Cemetery under direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

The family wishes to express appreciation to Seasons Hospice and to the staff at Creekside at Elfindale for their wonderful care for Norma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, 1475 North Washington Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65802, or to Drury University, University Advancement, 900 North Benton Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65802.