Odessa Knighting

Odessa Shifflet Knighting, 101 of Troy, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3, 2023, at home surrounded her loving family.   She was born Feb. 28,1922, in Greene County, Va to Leonard Shifflett and Clara Morris.   Odessa was an amazing loving Mother, Grandmother, Friend, Healer, and Matriarch. She loved her family, cooking, gardening, dancing, and laughing.   She is proceeded in death by her first husband Shelton Norris Knighting, and her second husband Edsol Howard Mays; her sister Eleanor Stalnaker; her brothers Junior Rae and Clarence Edward Shifflet; Her sons, William Norris Knighting Sr., Will Roger Knighting, Paul Dale Knighting, her grandchildren, Shelton Norris Knighting Jr., William Norris Knighting Jr., Lori Heath, Tracy Woodson Ajgaonkar, Connie Houchens, and Sara Woodson.   Odessa leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughters, Carole Jean Woodson, and Clara Ellen (Luther) Brown; her sister's Kaylene Gimbert (Shannon Gimbert) and Delma Woodward; Two very special grandchildren, Felicia Knighting (Michael Hicks), whom she raised as a daughter, and Matthew Knighting, both lovingly cared for Odessa over the last 13 years; Numerous Grandchildren, as well as Great Grandchildren and Great, Great Grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.   A special thank you to Lucy Hill for advocating for Odessa, she fought tirelessly over the years to see Odessa's family could provide the best care at all times.    Visitation will begin at 10:00am followed by services at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Sheridan's Funeral Home, 4626 Cedar Lane Road, Kent’s Store, Virginia, with Pastor Dana Peebles officiating.   A private graveside service will be held for immediate family and by invitation only.