Willow Dean Walker Kniphfer

Willow Dean Walker Kniphfer age 93, born September 9, 1927 in Ensley, AL, and resident of Hueytown (Virginia Mines), AL earned her angel wings and was lovingly welcomed into the arms of her heavenly father’s arms on Thursday January 21, 2021. She joined her loving husband, John Thomas Kniphfer, and daughter, Glenda Faye Kniphfer, who preceded her in death. She was welcomed into her eternal body by those loved ones that preceded her, Ada Belle Walker (mother), Marvin Walker (brother), Audrey Walker Howard (sister), Virgie Lee Walker Brasher (sister), William Lee Kniphfer Jr (grandson). She will be missed by those left behind to celebrate her life and memory until it is time to see her again, brother James “Wilburn” Walker (preceded by Billie), brother Talmadge “Dick” Walker (Dot), sister Doris Pentz (preceded by Bill), her daughter Johnnie Kniphfer Ensor (Steve),granddaughter Kelly Wilson Bolhofner (John), great granddaughter Ashlee Contorno Smith (Michael), great grandson Paul Contorno, Jr; son William Lee Kniphfer (Elizabeth), grandson John Edward Lee Kniphfer, great grandson Tyler, great granddaughters Breana and Madison; daughter Sherrie Covarrubias, grandson Robert Layne Ross III, granddaughter Melissa Covarrubias Estacio (Andres), great granddaughter Nataly and great grandson Gabriel. She had 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 33 Great-Great Grandchildren who along with her 3 surviving children and the many who knew and loved her will miss her bright smile, unconditional love and infectious laugh. Willow Dean had a love for not only those around her but for music and could be found playing and singing in the family bluegrass band, the Papa John and the Kniphfer Bluegrassers. Even in her later years she still played the guitar and sang. Her love for music was so deep that when asked to fill in for a bass fiddle player on one of her adventures she did not hesitate and despite dementia starting to take over, it was like she was her old self. In the end with her memories gone, she carried love in her heart for all those around her remembering those loved ones in her heart even if they were no longer in her mind. Services will be graveside at Highland Memorial Gardens on Wednesday January 27 at 11:00 AM. For those loved ones unable to attend due to COVID restrictions will still be able to join virtually by contacting any of the family members for link information. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Willow Dean Kniphfer.

Willow Dean Walker Kniphfer

September 9, 1927 - January 21, 2021