Obituary

Tamatha Lee Knighton

September 19, 1969 – March 19, 2022

Tamatha Lee Knighton, 52 of Belle passed away unexpectedly on Saturday March 19, 2022, and went home to be with her Lord and Savior.

She was born September 19, 1969, to her father, Sam Lee Vaught and mother, Alice Catherine Thompson.   She is survived by many loving family members including her husband Robert L. Knighton, daughters Miracle Lee, and Emilee Jean Ann, by her son, Benjamin Lloyd Sam Knighton and two blessings she called granddaughters, Amira Lee and Anastasia Lee and sisters Teena Cox of of Huntington and Monica L. Hanson of Charleston.

Tamatha was a devoted wife to Bobby Knighton and the two were inseparable.  She was a fiercely dedicated mom to her children, raising all three of them to know the infinite love of the Lord.  Family came first for Tamatha, a value she instilled in those around her.  The hole left in her family by her absence is impossible to fill.

She grew up in Nitro West Virginia, attended Nitro High School where she met many lifelong friends, including her forever sweetheart, Bobby.  She began working while in high school at Flexsys in Nitro as a secretary and HR assistant.  She stayed on during her first two years of college at West Virginia State College.  She married on April 17, 1993, to the forever love of her life, Bobby, with whom she had three wonderful children and made a wonderful life together.

Tamatha then sought employment with West Virginia Public Broadcasting to bring joy to grandparents, parents and children through the Ready to Learn program.  Her last employment was with Emmanuel Baptist Church in Charleston, where she took on many roles and brought sunshine into the lives of each person who walked through their doors.

Tamatha was preceded in death by her father, Sam Lee Vaught.  She rejoices with him now in Heaven along with many family, friends and loved ones.

Anyone who knew Tamatha knew that she was loyal to a fault, generous and faithful.  She had an immense passion for life and was always ready for a road trip or adventure.  Tamatha’s family and friends will miss her more than words can say.

A memorial service will be held April 9 at West Virginia Home Mission Church in Nitro, West Virginia from 2pm – 4pm.  Visitation to follow the service.  Friends and family may come and join the family in acknowledging our dear Tamatha is in a better place, where she hurts no more, where she can dance and kneel in worship at the feet of Jesus.

Tamatha has requested those in attendance wear something yellow if possible, in celebration of her life and her being in Heaven with her Lord and Savior.  Reverend Ron Stoner will officiate.  Flowers can be accepted at the church between 12:00-1:30pm.  There will be a private family burial at a later date at the Vaught family cemetery in Beeson, West Virginia where she will be buried along with her loving father and other family members.

Special thanks from the family to Barlow and Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston for their services and support and to West Virginia Home Mission Church for their love and support.