Diane Prince Knight

She was born on April 14, 1943, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to William Morgan Prince and Juliana Hamberg Prince.

Diane graduated from high school in Clarendon, Arkansas in 1961 and attended Hendrix College, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her career as a private piano teacher, she enrolled in graduate courses in music and piano lessons at the University of North Texas.

Following her graduation from college, she was employed for three years as assistant to the Director of Music at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas. She worked as a contract grade-school classroom piano instructor in the Dallas public school district, and then as a piano teacher for three private schools in Houston while her husband attended graduate school. She later taught private and group lessons at her home studio for more than four decades.

Diane is survived by her husband Ron Knight of Plano, Texas, and two sons, Timothy S. Knight (Sherri) of Austin, Texas, and David A. (Andy) Knight (Johanna Ransmeier) of Chicago, Illinois, and by five grandchildren: Ethan Knight (Courtney) of Garland, Texas; Rory and Reilly Knight of Austin, Texas; Viola Diane and Julietta Ransmeier Knight of Chicago; and three great-grandchildren Hayden, Keaton, and Juliana Knight of Garland, Texas. Along with a brother Rick Prince (Vicki) of Memphis, Tennessee, and Terry Dopson (Larry) of Dardanelle, Arkansas, and nephew Morgan Prince (Victoria) of Alpharetta, Georgia, grandniece Lily Prince, nephew Myles Prince of Shelbyville, Tennessee, and with niece Christie Parsons, grandniece Heather Parsons, and great-grandniece Bryleigh Parsons, and niece Mitsy Dopson of Dardanelle, Arkansas.

Diane was known for her kindness, patience, and caring nature. She dedicated 40 years of her life as a private piano teacher, sharing her love for classical music with students. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Tim and Andy, and a loving wife to her high school sweetheart, Ron. Diane and Ron attended Hendrix College together and were married in the Hendrix College Chapel on December 20, 1964, sharing over 58 years of marriage. Their journey began as seniors in high school continued through college, and grew into a beautiful family.

Diane pursued many interests. She volunteered by taking her piano students to perform at senior living care homes. She was an active member of the Plano Music Teachers Association and a dedicated supporter and volunteer of Heifer International. Diane enjoyed attending Dallas Symphony Orchestra concerts. An avid reader, she helped to start a small book club with several friends and neighbors. Diane took group yoga lessons, loved flowers, playing with her grandchildren, and enjoyed taking long walks daily.

Two celebrations of Diane’s life will be held to honor her memory. The first will be a visitation to take place at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, located at 7990 President George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, TX 75252, on Saturday, October 21, from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. A second celebration will be held later at her beloved Mt Nebo State Park in Dardanelle, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be made in Diane’s honor to Heifer International, The Stroke Foundation, or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the Knight family.