Frances Constance Knight

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Constance Knight (formerly Frances Constance Banbury) of Indianapolis, Indiana on Monday, May 11, 2026; she was 87 years old at the time of her death.

Born in the Borough of Bermondsey, London, England in 1938, not far from London Bridge, she had five siblings, Leslie, Bernard, Peter, Dorothy and Edwin. Her parents were Ivy Florence Banbury (formerly Machin) and Alfred John Banbury who was a wharfingers checker by profession in London. Along with her family, young Frances slept in the subways while her neighborhood was bombed in World War II.

Frances came to the United States when a teenager to live with family near Kokomo, Indiana, where she met her future husband, James (Jim) Robert Knight. They were married on October 20, 1956, and had three children; the couple celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in 2020.

Forged by the extraordinary circumstances of her childhood and young adulthood, Frances became a strong woman who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to meet her. A straight shooter with a quick sense of humor, she had an infectious laugh and was formidable facing every obstacle with grit and courage.

Along with her late husband, she volunteered at the Howard Community Behavioral Health Center (located in Kokomo, IN). Frances enjoyed traveling with her family, visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Boston, Chicago, NYC, Hilton Head, Las Vegas, San Francisco, many parts of Florida, and much of Great Britain. She loved gardening and tending to her roses, as well as the many dogs she and her family raised and loved over her lifetime.

Frances was a talented cook who made an exceptional traditional British Sunday meal of standing rib roast, Yorkshire pudding and roasted potatoes among many other dishes (Grandma’s Stew). Frances enjoyed and loved Baxter and Joey, two Yorkies she had towards the end of her life.

Frances is survived by her three children, Leslie Ann (Knight) Kolodziejski, James Michael Knight (married to Michelle Bailey), and David Todd Knight. In many ways, Frances was like a mother to her grandchild Macy Camile Knight (married to Anthony England), together having Frances’ great grandchildren Lea Devan Wilson and Aya Kai England. Frances is survived by her other grandchildren Derek Kevin Kolodziejski and Stacia Rose Kolodziejski.

Frances was proceeded in death by husband, Jim, on March 21, 2021; parents Ivy and Alfred Banbury, sister Dorothy McCain and brothers Edwin, Leslie and Bernard Banbury. Frances will be entombed in a private ceremony with her husband at the Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home and Cemetery, Kokomo, IN.

Frances was a one-of-a-kind woman who was always and only her authentic self. Frances Constance Knight will be forever missed.