Pastor's Blog

Mark Vernon Knighten, 63, of Gautier, Mississippi, passed away on August 31, 2026. He was born on January 17, 1963, in Mobile, Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Elam Knighten, and grandmother, Peggy “Gigi” Knighten; maternal grandparents, Vernon “Bay” Seaman and Neville Hansen Seaman Gipson.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Sherry Knighten; mother, Glenda Seaman Broderick; children, Mark Knighten II, Kyle (Jennifer) Knighten, Katy (Brett) Kalb, Gabrielle Knighten, Lindsey (Jeremey) Pitts, and Brandon Lathan; grandchildren, Paisley Knighten, Skylar Knighten, Easton Knighten, Max Knighten, Joseph Sprinkle, Josey Sprinkle, Landon Knighten-Kalb, Hunter Kalb, Kaley Kalb, Thomas Knighten, Johnathan Knighten, Adleigh Pitts, and Aubreigh Pitts; brothers, Tim (Peggy) Knighten and Jacob (Jeri) Toney; sister, Jennifer Broderick; his special black Lab, Sadie Knighten; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Mark had a deep love for the outdoors and was happiest when he was hunting, fishing, or skeet shooting. He especially enjoyed the time spent outdoors with family and friends and the memories made along the way. When he wasn’t outdoors, Mark could often be found gathered around the grill, preparing a meal for those he loved. His smoked ribs were a family favorite, and he was well known for his secret cornbread and gumbo recipes. More than anything, Mark treasured time spent with his family, whether they were enjoying the outdoors or simply gathered together over a good meal.

Mark dedicated more than 30 years of his life to a career in law, spending much of that time as an independent attorney. He also served for a time as a special judge presiding over lunacy hearings.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Chuck Bordis, Judge Mark Maples, Tyler Cox, Judge Neil Harris, Judge Randy Pierce, and Judge Calvin Taylor, as well as the clerks, bailiffs, judges, attorneys, and the entire legal community for their support and friendship.

A visitation will be held at Friendship Baptist Church, 12581 Saeger Road, Grand Bay, Alabama 36541, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Teddy Turrentine officiating. A graveside service will be held at Orange Grove Cemetery.

Carol Lucky is having dialysis today.  The plan is then for her to go to a rehab facility next week for physical therapy.  Carol has a very strong desire to join us in worship at Friendship.  Pray for Carol & Terry!

Pray for Mark Knighten’s family as they ready for tomorrow’s visitation and celebration of life.  Visitation begins at 10:00AM and the service begins at 11:00AM in our auditorium.  The interment will take place in the Orange Grove Cemetary.  Those helping with the meal are asked to have the food in our Preschool Building no later than 11:00AM.  Thank you to each person helping in any way.

Regular schedule this Sunday with one exception – our afternoon service will begin at 4:00PM which is one hour earlier than normal.

Our church wide bowling fellowship will take place from 6:00PM until 9:00PM at the Spanish Trail Lanes in Gautier, MS.  The cost is eight dollars per bowler (thirty dollars max per immediate family).  Church attendance is required.

Eddie Albritton will host a student ministry, 6th – 12th grades, in our CAB from 10:00PM until midnight Sunday night.  Church attendance and bowling fellowship required.

Good news!  Jeanette Bates will be back on the piano bench this Sunday morning!  Hooray!  I am extremely grateful to Kim Tillman for serving as our pianist during Jeanette’s absence due to her surgery.  Kim has done great!  Also, very thankful to Jenna Fosmore for being our keyboardist during this time.  Jenna is a happy camper as she now gets to attend Sunday School!  Who is counting but I think Jeanette has been our pianist for like seventy-eight years now!  (My figures may be off a year or two!)

After the judge’s ruling yesterday, I will be filing a lawsuit against the AHSAA as they did not have a three point line during my playing days.  This prevented me from getting a scholarship to a major college and then signing a lucrative contract with the NBA.  So, look for me on a high school basketball court for four years near you soon.  (I need this court case to move quickly due to my advanced age – just saying!)

Sorry for the delayed entry.  I pray you will have a great Friday with Jesus.