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.