Nancy Knighton

Nancy Ann Carter Knighton, a resident of Melbourne, FL passed away at the age of 82 on Sunday, August 21, 2022 at Hibiscus Court, Melbourne, FL.  Nancy was born on July 23, 1940 to Bryan and Tessie Carter in Wilkes County, NC.  She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of 12 and was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church until she moved to Winston-Salem, NC where she became a member of St Paul’s Episcopal Church.  She graduated from East Wilkes High School, Ronda, NC in 1958, Gardner Webb Junior College, Boiling Springs, NC in 1960 and Appalachian State Teachers College, Boone, NC in 1962 with a degree in Elementary Education and Teaching.  While at Appalachian State, Nancy was very involved with Baptist Student Union (BSU).  Nancy had a compassion for teaching kindergarten - first grade students in Wilkes County, NC; Forsyth County, NC; Melbourne, FL; Ocala, FL and the Kwajalein Island (Marshall Islands) for more that 30 years.  She also expressed her creativity through her passion for oil painting and other artistic media. Nancy was married to her husband of 51 years, Ray Knighton on February 26, 1971.She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Bryan and Tessie Carter; sisters, Alma Draughn (Russell), Doris Hutchison (Wilmer); brothers Ward, Conrad and Joseph Carter; brothers-in-laws, Burr Hutchison, Wilmer Hutchison, Clinton Smith and Bobby Simmons.  Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Ray Knighton, Melbourne FL, and her sisters: Lois Hutchison, Agnes Smith, Rose Simmons, Betty Luffman (Javan ) and brother Franklin (Frank) Carter (Kit).  She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  A celebration of her life will be held in a private family graveside service at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, Elkin, NC.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity.   The family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to all of her caretakers at Hibiscus Court, Melbourne, FL.  On-line condolences may be made at www.elkinfuneralservices.com.