Sheila Gail Knighton's Obituary
Sheila Gail Knighton, 60, of Palm Coast, Florida passed away on March 1, 2021. Sheila is a native of Branford, Florida (Suwannee County) where she graduated from Branford K-12 School. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida.
She began and ended her teaching career at Flagler Palm Coast High School, and was an Assistant Principal at both Indian Trails Middle School and Buddy Taylor Middle School. She started as a Home Education Teacher and moved through various fields through the years. Sheila impacted thousands of students and families in her 35.5 year career in Flagler Schools and retired in 2019.
Sheila enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, sewing, cooking, and attending church activities at Palm Coast Methodist Church. She especially loved traveling with her “sister cousin” Cyndi Knighton Hines, and attending the events and activities of “her boys,” Javen and Nolan Young.
Sheila was known as a smart, strong woman who was never too busy to help others and was a giver within her family and community. She loved to volunteer with local food banks and support the causes of former students. She was the Student Government Association sponsor at FPCHS for many years and influenced the path of many current Flagler community members and leaders.
Sheila was preceded in death by her parents Ernest “E.J.” and Johnnie Merle (Barnett) Knighton, her brother Ernest Wyatt Knighton, and her niece Wendy Buster.
Sheila is survived by her sisters Rhonda Scott (Stacy), Julie Wald (Jerry), Katrina Feola (Pasquale); sister-in-law Joann Knighton; nieces Valena Smith (Tim), Elizabeth Townsend, Krista Scott; nephews Terry (Dee) Knighton, A.J. (Ashley) Knighton, Johnny Scott; great nephews Javen Young, Nolan Young, Cayde Smith, Jacob Knighton, Joseph Knighton; and great niece Riley Knighton.
Arrangements entrusted to Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service.
A memorial service will be held at Palm Coast United Methodist Church on March 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM. Masks and social distancing required. Visitation with the family following the service.
A memorial service in her home community will be held on April 10, 2021 at Union Baptist Church in O’Brien, FL. Masks required. Visitation with the family following the service.
In lieu of flowers, Sheila requests donations be made to the student need account at Flagler Palm Coast High School; 5500 E HWY 100; Palm Coast, FL 32164. Please note in the memo line: In Memory of Sheila Knighton/Helping Hands.
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