Barbara Bridgett Utterback Knighten, age 65, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by her family, she went peacefully to be with the Lord.
Born in Fort Knox, Kentucky to a US Army Military Family, she attended Anne Arundel High School in Gambrills, MD. Barbara also went to Medical Technology School in Virginia. She has lived in many places, including Kentucky, Maryland, Germany, Texas and Virginia. Barbara loved to travel and explore the world. Everywhere she went, she made lifelong friends and loved to keep in touch. Her favorite yearly visits were to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which she loved dearly.
Our beloved mother fought long and hard, always with grace and strength. Throughout her cancer journey, she taught those around her what it looks like to live bravely, always with joy and a smile. Our mom was an incredible mother. She devoted everything in her life to us. Her main focus in life was being the best mother that she could be. Her children and grandchildren were her world. To say that she will be greatly missed is an understatement. She was the best storyteller with a great sense of humor and a generous heart.
Barbara began working as a young girl, 14 yrs old and continued her whole life. She worked as a security guard until she could no longer work, which was only a couple of months ago. She had an incredible work ethic and will to live life. She was a very independent woman, proud to accomplish things by herself.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Jacqueline M. Ebner and father, Jackey Utterback.
Survived by her four children. Oldest son, Christopher Knighten (Jessica), oldest daughter, Sabrina Keough (Michael), youngest daughter, Natalie Utterback (Joseph), and youngest son, Alexander Utterback (Amiracle). Barbara is survived by her beautiful grandsons, of whom she doted on: Levi, James, Noah, Jacob, Kade, Royce, and Carter (not born yet). Barbara is also survived by her loving stepfather, James Ebner and siblings: Murielle Hodgson (Robert), Joel Utterback, Michael Utterback, Judy Utterback (Bill) and Christine Sweeney (Daniel). Barbara is survived by her nieces and nephews as well: Kenn Purcell, Pauline Sweeney, and Shawna Woods (Taylor).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to https://gofund.me/6a065518
7 Comments
To the family,
I will truly miss your mother. We worked together at Patriots Colony. She was a great friend we talked, hugged and laughed often. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Barbara was so lovely and sweet. I only had the opportunity to get to know her when she made a trip to Austin several years ago but we stayed in touch through Facebook. Our family is so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of all of you and sending love from Texas.
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Barbara Knighten. I worked with her daughter Sabrina who spoke kindly of her mother and how much fun they had hanging out together. She will be missed and remembered by all who knew her.
Barbara was a beautiful person and warm hearted. We are sorry to hear of her passing. Sabrina you will always be family and if you ever need anything you know where we live. Sabrina let Natalie and Alex know we are sorry for the loss of both their parents. We will pray that God gives you and your brothers and sister strength through this difficult time. Remember you are not alone God will get you through it all. We Love you, Debra, Artie and April Horn
Rest in Peace Barbara
The Superintendent, Col. Roy C. Witham and the entire members of the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail are shocked and
sad to hear of the passing of Ms. Knighten. A lot of us did not know or here that she was ill. Ms. Knighten was a
distinguished member of Team VPRJ from 12/01/2010 until her retirement on 03/31/ 2022. Ms. Knighten was a very
dedicated colleague and would help at anytime if anyone needed assistance (both her colleagues and the inmate
population). Ms Knighten was very warm hearted and will be deeply missed. The entire VPRJ family is praying for the
family at this difficult time for comfort, strength and peace. We pray for God’s grace for everyone.
Rest in perfect peace Ms. Knighten.
I was saddened to hear of Barbras passing. My deepest condolences to her children, Chris, Sabrina, Natalie and Alex. We were once next door neighbors for at least a decade when I resided in the Buckroe area in Hampton, Virginia. She was the friendliest and best neighbor anyone could ask for. She was a beautiful woman inside and out with the best smile ever. I told her she reminded me of Wonder Woman. She was alwaykind, sweet and always helpful when needed. She was an angel walking on this earth. Now she is an angel in the Lords arms. No more pain, no more suffering. Rest easy Barbara.
Angela L. Jones
May God peace and love comfort you in this difficult time . Always remember to trust in the Lord he will give you strength.To Beautiful young lady that will be missed.