Debra Knighton

Debra Knighton, of Hardeeville, SC passed away on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, in Beaufort, SC. Arrangements are entrusted to Allen Funeral Home of Ridgeland. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our tribute wall.

Debra Elaine Simmons-Knighton was born on January 22, 1963, in Beaufort, SC to Mrs. Dorothy Simmons-Bryant and the late Charlie Harrison Jr. She attended the Public Schools in Beaufort County. After school Debra pursued a career in nursing, as caring for people is what she loved to do. In 1997, Debra was united in matrimony with Mr. David Knighton. Together they cherished twenty years plus of marriage and raised a beautiful blended family.
Debra was affectionately referred to as “Ms. Peppa” or “Big Debra” was a beautiful, vivacious soul who enjoyed reading, baking, holidays, her granddaughters, and having a great time! She was a no non-sense woman who was never afraid to speak her mind or let you know when you were out of line. All you had to hear her say was “and wha?” and you knew Big Debra had laid down the law! Known as “Aunty” or “ma” by the majority of her children’s friends, the love she possessed for her three boys was fierce and unmatched. When or wherever you saw Debra, her “three amigos” were never far behind! There was never a time that she didn’t let them know that she “loved them with her entire skin!” and there was absolutely nothing that she wouldn’t do for them. The love she gave was certainly unconditional and will be felt forever! She will truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, Debra was called from labor to reward. Debra was preceded in death by; her father Charlie Harrison Jr. brother Wayne Simmons, her grandmother Maime Young, and her uncles, General and Willie Simmons
Debra is survived by; her husband David Knighton of Levy, SC, her mother Dorothy Simmons-Bryant of Okatie, SC, her children: Cornel Johnson of Pooler, GA, Jordan Johnson of Levy, SC, Kristen Johnson of Atlanta, GA, David Knighton, Jr. (Brittany) of Gainesville, FL and Dominique Knighton of West Palm Beach, FL, a brother Leon Simmons of Hardeeville, SC, a sister Michele Williams (Jamal) of Beaufort, SC uncles: Robert Young of Philadelphia, PA, and Herman Young (Jacqueline) of Liberty City, GA aunts: Loise Young Holmes of Philadelphia , PA, and Juanita Ann Martin (Elmore) of Columbus, OH, nieces: Amber Simmons of Columbia, SC , Chrystal Simmons of Beaufort, SC, Tori Young of Liberty City, GA, Amelia White of Hilton Head, SC, and LaToya Wilson (Dave) of Beaufort, SC, nephews: Tevin Williams and Travon Williams both of Beaufort, SC and Akeem Simmons of Hilton head Island, SC. Along with a host of other relative and friends.

Here at Allen Funeral Home, we care about your safety. We ask that everyone please follow ALL of DHEC guidelines in regards to COVID-19.

Please actively practice social distancing (6-feet apart) and wear your mask at ALL times during the Allen Funeral Home services.           

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