Anna Elizabeth Knighton

Anna Elizabeth Knighton, 45 born on May 31, 1980, in Tupelo, Mississippi, passed away on January 22, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and inspiration. She was a cherished daughter, devoted mother, beloved sister, and a friend to many.

Anna graduated from Alcorn Central High School in 1998. Her passion for learning continued at the University of Mississippi, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002, with a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance. While at Ole Miss, she was an Ole Miss Rebelette and was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority.

Throughout her life, Anna embraced her love for athletics. A true adventurer at heart, she loved to travel and explore new places. Her artistic side was shown through her talent for painting, sketching, and writing, as she often journaled about her thoughts and experiences.

Anna is survived by her father, Jimmy Vann Knighton; her mother, Janice Marsh Knighton; her two daughters, Henley Ruth Napier and Annabelle James Napier; her brothers, Jay Knighton (Vanessa), and Jeff Knighton; her sister, Mia Rice (Brooks); and Josh Napier, the father of her children. She is also survived by her beloved nephews, Oliver Knighton, Franklin Knighton, and Brooks Rice, Jr.; and her nieces, Rosemary Rice and Hinton Rice; and Penelope Knighton.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, James “Buck” and Ruth Hinton Marsh, and Vancey and Lillian Knighton.

A visitation will be held in Anna's honor on February 1, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Farmington Baptist Church in Corinth, MS. This will be followed by a funeral service at the same location at 3:00 PM, concluding with a burial at Farmington Baptist Church Cemetery.

Bro. Joe Marsh will perform the service, with the obituary being read by Bro. John Little. Pallbearers will be Jay Knighton, Jeff Knighton, Brooks Rice, Jr., Brooks Rice, Oliver Knighton, and Franklin Knighton.

Anna Elizabeth Knighton's spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched with her kindness, creativity, and adventurous spirit. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home of El Roi (homeofelroi.org). Magnolia Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Anna Elizabeth Knighton.