Barbara Jane Knighton

Barbara “Jane” Knighton, 88, of Calhoun, Georgia, and formerly of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.  

She was born in Birmingham, Alabama on Feb. 8, 1936, to the late Gus and Mildred Magnuson.  

In 1952, she married William Knighton and celebrated 70 years together before his death in 2022. Her daughter Diane Robinson and sister Bettye Smith also preceded her in death. 

Jane was a bright light in everyone’s life. She had a unique ability to make everyone who interacted with her feel better about themselves and their life circumstances. She had a spirit full of joy, positivity, and wisdom. She had a heart for hospitality, embodying the true definition of a Southern Lady! 

Jane intensely loved her family. She really enjoyed spending time with all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

She is survived by her daughter Sharon (Dr. Joe Joyave) with grandchildren Joseph W. Joyave (Sarah), Adam Joyave (Nicole), Sara Joyave Cooley (Vincent) and Anna Joyave Kelley (Ryan); and son-in-law Wayne Robinson with grandchildren Kacy Robinson Newman (Brett) and Janey Pegoda (Jacob); and great-grandchildren, Laughlin Pegoda, Jake Pegoda, Gunnar Pegoda, Magnus Pegoda, Grey Robinson Newman, Grace Joyave, Ruth Joyave, Jack Joyave, James Joyave, Judah Joyave, Lucas Joyave, Stella Joyave, Vincent Cooley and Lewis Kelley.  

Several nieces and nephews in Alabama and Texas also survive. She also leaves behind honorary family members John Joyave (Timie) and Mary Stewart (Peter) and their kids and grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, from 12 Noon until 1 p.m. at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 1 pm Friday in the Chapel of Max Brannon and Sons, with Dr. Joe Joyave and Rev. Eddie Brannon officiating.  

Burial will follow in Fain Cemetery; Pallbearers are Vince Cooley, Ryan Kelley, Joseph W. Joyave, Adam Joyave, Jacob Pegoda, Brett Newman, John Joyave and John Daniel Joyave. 

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Barbara Jane Knighton.