1934
2025
Surrounded by love, Alma Whitley Knighton transitioned from earthly life into eternal rest on December 28, 2025. Though deeply missed, she leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service.
Alma Whitley Knighton was born on October 29, 1934, in Zachary, Louisiana, to Viola Hayes Whitley and Charley Buckner Whitley. She was raised in a Christian home grounded in faith and service and was a devoted lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Scotlandville.
On June 10, 1962, Alma was united in marriage to Don Knighton, Jr. From this union were born two children, Minty Shyrelle Knighton and Weldon Cordell Knighton.
She was a loving and devoted grandmother to Aydon Pierce Knighton. Alma cherished her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Alma pursued a distinguished career in education. She graduated from Southern University Laboratory School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Education with additional graduate studies from Southern University. Alma completed further professional training at Louisiana State University, Spenser College, and Loyola University. Her career spanned teaching, supervision, consulting, higher education instruction, and educational leadership, serving students, families, and communities across multiple parishes.
She is survived by her daughter, Minty S. Knighton of Zachary, Louisiana; her son, Weldon C. Knighton, daughter-in-law, Petrina, and her grandson, Aydon P. Knighton, all of Allen, Texas; sister, Bernice Whitley of Zachary, Louisiana; brother, Sterling Whitley of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Knighton, Jr.; parents, Viola Hayes and Charley Buckner Whitley; sisters, Ruby Douglas, Rose Stewart, and Dorothy Merkison; brothers, Felton, Leon, Sr., Welton, Clifton, Odell, and William Henry Whitley; and several beloved nephews.
The Knighton and Whitley families along with the Management and Staff of Wilson Wooddale Funeral Home, thank you for the outpouring of love received. Please continue to lift the family and friends in prayer.
Terrilyn Lewis-Henry
January 14, 2026
My heart hurts to know of the passing of Mrs. Knighton. She was family and my 4th grade teacher at Southern Laboratory. As I look back, there was love, patience and understanding in ALL she did and has done. This fleshly world will definitely be missing an earthly angel.
To Minty and Weldon, I extend my heartfelt love and condolences. You both are an example of your mother and the apples of her eyes. Stay strong and know you’re the best parts of her.
Lois Whitley
January 14, 2026
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. My first contact with you was at the Whitley-Collins Family Reunion in Moss Point, Ms. Mr. Mallard Collins was our King. Your kind demeanor and patient spirit allowed me to calm myself at this highly attended event. Your stature was quite revealing as a seasoned Mother who spoke once and you understood. As an old saying, A little piece of leather but well put together. Thank you so much for you and your family’s work with our family reunion over the years. What a great example of Love and Life More Abundantly! Family, great memories to sustain you as you progress forward! Lois Whitley, wife of the late EJ Whitley, Jr.
Croscina Odell Crockett
January 12, 2026
Dear Family, Sincere condolences! This is heartbreaking news for everyone who ever attended one of our Family Reunions! Alma was so much a part of every one that I attended, beginning in 1996. Know that we love you, and it is our prayer that our God will forever bless you and keep you, and give you His Peace! From family of Rev. Crossley P. Odell, a son of Rev. Henry Odell. Alma's grandmother Patsy Square Whitley and my grandfather Henry Odell (born Crose Square) were siblings, descendants of Isaac Square, Sr. Forever in our hearts!
Pamela S. Lewis
January 11, 2026
We will always remember Aunt Alma as a very devoted and dedicated person. Whenever we needed someone to talk to in time of need, Aunt Alma was always there. She was a wonderful, caring person with great ideas. We will miss talking to her and texting her during the holidays that occur throughout the year.
Minty and Weldon, please maintain your courage and strength during this difficult time. We will always keep you in our prayers. God loves you and he loves Aunt Alma. We will miss her dearly. May the peace of God be with you always.
Your Family with Love,
Pam, Donald and Jesse Marcus Lewis
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Gale Branch
January 8, 2026
Condolences to the family.
Bobby & Annie Handy
January 8, 2026
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Lesia Howard
January 8, 2026
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Lana Cotton
January 7, 2026
Our prayers are with your family! We are the O'Dell family in Los Angeles CA and we send our love and condolences, and asking God to grant you peace and strength in the days to come! Just know God is able to comfort you in your times of need! We will continue to lift this family up and may God bless you all! Love y'all the O'Dell family of the Late James and Audrey O'Dell!



Joyce Grant
January 7, 2026
It was such a pleasure celebrating with you on your 90th birthday. Rest high in glory! ❤
dONALD fREEMAN
January 5, 2026
Alma was a Very nice Person and cousin. She was always friendly and helpful. God rest her soul.
Huelon Harrison
January 5, 2026
One of the many great instructors at the Lab School. Made a difference in the lives of many of us.
Eunice Copeland Talmore
January 5, 2026
Minty, I am so sorry to hear of Alma's passing. I pray that your loving memories of her will serve to comfort and strengthen you. Much love.
Gwendolyn Honore
January 3, 2026
Mrs. Alma was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. Kind, supportive and so down to earth. I loved her very much, and there will always be a place in my heart for this lovely lady. Prayers, hugs and love to her children and family.
Rhonda Litt
January 1, 2026
Minty,
I am so, so deeply sorry for your loss. Your mom was a sweet person and beautiful soul who blessed so many.
May you and your brother feel comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the memories you will always carry of her.
With deepest sympathy,
Dafiney Self
January 1, 2026
Alma was a wonderful person, who loved everyone, she will be missed ny all.
Rosa Jackson
January 1, 2026
I am praying for the family and hope that eac of you know she is in a better place.
Crystal Arnold-Bankston
January 1, 2026
I will always remember as a youngster going to Zachary from Michigan in the summer with my mom, aunts and cousins. We would stay at Aunt Alma’s house and always have a good time. Even as a little girl I thought she was a classy, itty bitty feisty thing and I admired her. She was still feisty and funny as she aged and that is how I will remember her.
Minty and Weldon you and the rest of the family are in my prayers. God will see you through this and the be with you in the quiet moments to come. Blessings to you both.
Stephanie Posey
December 31, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Genita Dawson
December 31, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Funeral services provided by:
Wilson-Wooddale Funeral Home - Baton Rouge1553 Wooddale Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806