Barbara Knightner

Barbara Ann Knightner, 76, sadly departed this life on February 23rd, 2024, during a lengthy stay in a Convalescent Home for physical therapy and rehabilitation. Barbara was born to Robert Fulton Ogletree and Mayme Caples Ogletree on August 21st, 1947. She excelled academically and graduated from Lackawanna High School in 1964 at the age of sixteen (16), then attended Erie Community College in Buffalo, New York where she earned a degree in phlebotomy. She also worked as a lab technician for many years at Our Lady of Victory Hospital, before continuing her education and earning a Bachelor’s degree from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY. A devoted mother, Barbara raised her daughters in a home full of faith and love. She instilled values of honesty, integrity, common sense and compassion. She enjoyed going on family outings such as parades, movies, the circus, and festivals like the “Taste of Buffalo”. As the eldest of four children, Barbara happily opened her home to family and friends throughout the years. Whether it was to serve up holiday dinner, host a long-distance visit, or simply provide a place of shelter, she loved helping and being surrounded by those she loved and cherished. She had an unconditional capacity to love as she never hesitated to lend a hand in any way she could. Barbara moved from New York to Georgia in 2002 right before becoming a dedicated grandmother and playing an active role in her grandchildren’s daily lives. She was a veracious reader, wonderful cook and game show enthusiast who liked to spend her spare time reading a good novel or periodical. She also loved watching sports or one of her favorite TV dramas. Barbara will be remembered as one of the kindest, sweetest, most selfless souls to ever grace the earth. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt; A matriarch who embodied independence and gentle strength. She will truly be missed. Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer (James) Shaw and Natalie Smith; her brother, Robert (Sharon) Ogletree II; her sister, Zemora (Ernest) Eggleston; Six grandchildren, three nieces, and one nephew, as well as two great-nieces and three great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and mother; her youngest brother, John Whitfield Ogletree; and her niece, Katimah Evette Ogletree.

Barbara Knightner

August 21, 1947 - February 23, 2024