Valerie Maxine King

Valerie Maxine King transitioned on December 13, 2020. Valerie was born on October 17, 1930, to the late Paul and Nellie Downing. Her earlier years were spent in her hometown of Atchison, Kansas where she grew up with her parents and five siblings. She later relocated to Philadelphia, PA where she raised her seven children and worked in the field of teaching, social and medical services, providing support to those in need. She spent several years caring for the sick and helping those who could not provide care for themselves. She often went the extra mile to make sure others had what they needed, and this was made evident throughout her lifetime. Those who were lucky enough to cross paths with her had the pleasure of sharing in her irresistible laugh, to see her smile was like lighting up space in time that only she could fill. She enjoyed watching daytime soaps and found great pleasure in watching Chuck Norris kick butt, (as she watched you would hear, “get em chuck.”)

She loved to cook, she played music and sang, with a special talent for the piano and the guitar. This musical connection was deeply rooted in her love for life. You could often find her writing and singing beautiful melodies. To watch her performances were pure delight. She had an unequivocal love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She spent many years in her church singing praises unto the Lord. Her favorite hymns were, “Amazing Grace” and “I will eat from the Tree of Life.” She spent her life eating from that tree and sowing the seeds of love throughout generations.

She was preceded in death by her late daughter Felicia King. She is survived by her sister, Rowena Downing, Ann Arbor, MI; her six children, Reginald (Cynthia) King of the home; Jimmie Lee Denby, Perkiomenville, PA; J. Dwight King, District Heights, MD; Loree Barrett, Philadelphia, PA; Kerwin (Pam) King, Elkins Park, PA, and Rosa King, Philadelphia, PA. As well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (NIV).

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