Mrs. Essie B. King

Essie B. King was born on September 24, 1930 in Bailey, Mississippi to Bill David Stennis and Essie Kelso Stennis. God called his servant Essie home to eternal peace on February 26, 2017. Essie accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church. Essie King grew up in Bailey, Mississippi. She received her high school diploma from Bailey Vocational High School and went on to attend one year of college at Tugaloo College in Tugaloo, Mississippi. Essie loved children and taught elementary school for one year. She later met and married Arthur James King on January 15, 1953. ·· Essie and her family traveled to numerous locations with her husband while he was in military service. With her family, she traveled to and lived in Germany, Kansas, Colorado, and Texas. Her family settled in Colorado and lived there for almost 20 years. She and her husband returned home to Meridian, Mississippi to make it their permanent home in 1985. She brought her seamstress skills into action in her furniture upholstery business where she worked until her retirement. Essie was a faithful and active member of St. Peter United Methodist Church. She had a generous heart and gave generously of her life, time, and tithes to the church. Essie was the church pianist, and served as the Sunday school superintendent. As an active member of United Methodist Women, she helped with vacation bible school and other activities such as the talent show. She organized the Rainbow Investment Club for women and worked with a local investment firm to invest and grow the money invested in the club. Essie was preceded in death by her parents Bill David Stennis and Essie Kelso Stennis, one brother Edward Stennis, and two sisters, Virginia Stennis Lewis and Walterine Stennis Stewart. Essie will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband Arthur James King, two sons Gregory King (Deanna) Lafayette, LA, and Keith King Pensacola, FL, three daughters Debra King Wade (Clifton), Meridian, Tonya Smith (Ernest) Madison, MS, and Danita Boyd, Houston TX Essie cherished her nine grandchildren -James King, Justin Alexander, LaToy Parker, Alex Powell, Essie King, Chris Thibodeaux, Tauna McCall, James Boyd, and Eryka Boyd and 13 great grandchildren. We give a special thank you to the oldest grandson, James King, for the time he dedicated to caring for both Essie and Arthur. Essie is survived by two devoted sisters Mrs. Edna Whitlock and Mrs. Vallonia Davis.

Mrs. Essie B. King

September 24, 1930 - February 26, 2017