Ethel Janis Knott Thompson

Janis Knott Thompson (Aunt Susie), 84, went to be with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ on July 1, 2015. She died peacefully at her home. Born March 27, 1931 in a home her father built on their farm near Zebulon, NC, she was preceded in death by her parents Joe Thomas Knott, Sr. and Ethel Robertson Knott and her sister Catherine Ann Knott. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Joseph Cecil (Dick) Thompson, her brother Joe Thomas Knott, Jr., twin sisters Dorothy Knott Preston and Doris Knott Talley (husband Robert Laverne Talley, Sr.) nieces and nephews Bob Talley, Jr., Charles Talley, Mike Talley, Dorothy Talley Holley, Rick Talley, Ed Preston III, Joe Preston, Joe Knott III, Carolyn Knott, Frances Knott George and numerous great nieces and nephews. Janis attended elementary school at Wakelon School in Zebulon and Knightdale High School. She graduated from Knightdale High School in 1949 and Peace College in 1951 with a major in business. She retired from a career in state government, serving as a purchasing agent for the department of corrections. Janis loved her family and loved to travel and enjoyed trips throughout the United States and Europe. Gardening, baking, calligraphy, pottery, painting, cross stitching and other crafts were her interests. She was an active member of the Ruritanets Club and served several times as president. Her primary avocation was serving her Lord and Savior. She served her church in any way that she was asked throughout her life and had an extensive card ministry. Her life was a life of service to her family, her church and her community. Janis was cared for in her later years by her loving family. She will be greatly missed. A funeral service will be held at 2:30pm Sunday at Temple Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:30 in the Church prior to the service. Burial will follow in Raleigh Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 1417 Clifton Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 or to William Peace University, 15 E. Peace Street, Raleigh, NC 27604.