Jackie L. King's Obituary
Jackie L. King, RN.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama to LouElla Bates and Richard Clay York Sr. Jackie, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished friend. She spent her life spreading kindness, wisdom, and joy to all she knew.
Jackie dedicated her life to Jehovah in 1977. A member of Longwood (Cleveland) and Greenwood (Birmingham)Congregations of Jehovah Witnesses. She enjoyed attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall and assembly. She valued fellowshipping with sisters and brothers.
Jackie earned her nursing degree from Huron Road Nursing School. She dedicated her life to healing and helping others. She spent over 38 years caring for patients with empathy, and unwavering professionalism. Her colleagues remember her not only for her clinical expertise but also the calmness she brought to every hospital room.
Her daughter referred to her as a chronic consumer with a heart for the hunt, as she found a deal. She was a true negotiator. Jackie found joy in the aisles of thrift shops, where every item told a story and every find was a treasure.
Sewing was more than a hobby—she began her by quilting with her grandmother and sisters. Sewing was a way for her to show love. She sewed clothes for her children and even made her oldest after prom outfit. She made pillows with her grandchildren.
A devoted fan of the Game Show Network, Jackie had an encyclopedic knowledge of trivia and could guess the answers before the show’s contestants. Her laughter echoed through the living room during reruns of Super Market Sweep and Family Feud.
Jackie enjoyed summer road trips with James, her children, and grandkids. They often visited Panama City and Disney. She loved cooking and baking for her family and would throw summer Barbeques and fish fries.
She taught us that value isn't measured by price tags, but by presence, passion, and the love we share.
Jackie is survived by her doting husband, James H. King Jr.; loving children, Richard T. York, (Tashia, deceased), James H. King III (Jackie), Elicia Marathe, adoring grandchildren, Shatelia Stewart, (Riccardo), Jaden, Jakobi, Elena, Journi, Indra; great-grandson, Elijah; siblings, Vickie, Gerald (Charlie), and Sherri-Ann (Charles, deceased) as well as a wide circle of friends and colleagues who will deeply miss her spirit and generosity who will continue to honor her legacy by living out the values she instilled.
Along with her parents she was proceeded in death by her grandson Clay York and siblings, Cornelia, Jane, Richard, Thomas, Robert [Sonny].
Rest in peace, dear Jackie. Your memory will forever be a blessing.
What’s your fondest memory of Jackie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jackie?
Share a story where Jackie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jackie you’ll never forget.
How did Jackie make you smile?