Mrs. Almetter Knighten

January 23, 1950 - August 22, 2019

Ms. Almetter Knighten, 69, of Columbia, SC; formerly of Peoria, IL transitioned from this life to her heavenly home at 4:15 PM on Thursday, August 22, 2019 in Dallas, TX while visiting family. Almetter was born in Peoria, IL on January 23, 1950 to Mattie Mae (Johnson) and Douglas Cary Matthews. She was a 1972 graduate of Woodruff High School. She pursued her education at Sawyer College in Hammond, IN where she received an Associates Degree in Medical Business Administration. She later graduated from Midstate College where she received a Bachelors’ Degree in Healthcare Management. Almetter was a school bus driver for District 150 for over 15 years. She later became a substitute teacher at many of the schools in District 150, Peoria, IL as well as Richland School Districts in Columbia, SC. She also volunteered at E.L.A. (the English Language Acquisition Program) in Peoria, IL and in Columbia, SC. She married Tommy Lee Knighten in 1978; he preceded her in death in May of 2010. Almetter was kind hearted and soft spoken. She loved her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren. Almetter was a Girl Scout and Brownie Troop Leader for many years. She enjoyed collecting ink pens and different recipes. She loved reading, solving crossword puzzles and traveling. Almetter loved social media and googling websites. She loved the Lord! She was a past member of New Life Christian Church (formerly New Hope International Ministries) where she was Assistant Director of the Food Pantry. She was a past member of Word of God International Ministries in Columbia, SC where she was a member of W.O.W. (Women of Wisdom). Almetter leaves to cherish her most precious memories her children; Charitha Y. Matthews of Dallas, TX, Steven D. Matthews of Peoria, IL and LaCarlos D. (Equonya) Knighten of Virginia Beach, VA; step-children, Mariola (Curtis) Smith of Gary, IN, Darryl Brown of Jacksonville, FL, Pamela Brown of Peoria, IL, Vickie (Melvin) Herndon of Tacoma, WA and Irby Brown of Arizona; cousins she raised, Florrenda, Forrest III, Felicia and Faith Holcomb all of Peoria, IL; one brother, Fredrick Matthews of Peoria and one sister, Ida Lee of Peoria; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Maxene Harris and Phyllis Russell; one brother, Frazier Matthews and one step-son, James Brown, Jr.; and one great-grandson. Grammy, we love you and you will be truly missed! A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at New Life Christian Church with a gathering at 12:30 PM. Rev. Spencer Gibson will officiate. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com.