Col. Kathy Diane King

Colonel Kathy D. King, a woman of great strength, unwavering courage, and profound love

for her family, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at the age of seventy

surrounded by loved ones. Her legacy of service, dedication, and love will remain forever in

the hearts of all who knew her. Kathy was a member of the Order of Eastern Stars of Illinois.

Born to Maides Andrew King Sr. and Lillie Pearlean King, Kathy grew up in Madison WI and

attended Marquette Elementary School, she then attended and graduated from Madison

East High School and graduated as a Registered Nurse from the University of Wisconsin

Madison Nursing School. Kathy loved to invite anyone to attend church with her, she also

loved to sew, take her daily walk, talk to her family members and travel. Kathy was a

member of Capitolaires All Girl Drum and Bugle Corp. She also played on the undefeated

Madison softball team “Butches Bunch.” Kathy attended events and traveled to many

places in Madison and across the country. She grew up surrounded by a solid foundation of

love, family, and faith. Her childhood churches include St Paul A.M.E., Mt. Zion Baptist,

Second Baptist Church all in Madison, WI and her home church is Cumberland Methodist

Church in Fayetteville, NC.

She was a devoted daughter, cherishing the wisdom and guidance of her late parents and

her grandparents Julia and Walter King, as well as Sarah and Levi Mott. She was the proud

and devoted mother of DeJanette Sarah King, whose life was enriched by Kathy’s wisdom

and love. Kathy was also a loving grandmother to Samora Diane King, whose light brought

her immense joy and pride.

Kathy leaves behind a large and loving family. She is survived by her siblings Maides Andrew

“Bumper” King Jr. (Diane) along with his sons Levi King-Tartamella and Dameon Parrish

(mother Pat Parrish); Charles Lovelle King with children Jordan, Andrew, Nicholas, and

Cassie; Doris Ellen King-Williams (Winston “Craig”) with son Julian; Margaret Pearlean King

(Frankie) with daughter Lillie Pearlean King; April Barlow her lifelong devoted best friend

and sister. Kathy also leaves behind surviving first cousins Barbara Rabb, Marchelle Shufford,

Lillie “Pearl” Mott, Melinda Mott-Brinkley, and Ryan “Phatboy” Mott.

She was preceded in death by her cherished siblings, Walter Levi King and Carolyn

Cassandra King, with whom she shared countless fond memories, as well as her beloved

parents. Kathy was also preceded in death by two of her loving first cousins Sarah Mott and

Raymond “Charlie” Mott.

Kathy’s life was a testament to service and leadership. Rising to the rank of Colonel, she

dedicated her life to protecting and serving her country, leaving a lasting impact on her

colleagues and those who served under her command. Her legacy in the armed forces is a

source of pride and inspiration for her family and all who knew her. She served 33 years.

Colonel Kathy D. King’s warmth, dedication, and deep love for her family will never be

forgotten. Her strength inspired those around her, and her memory will remain a source of

comfort for the many lives she touched.

A service honoring Kathy’s remarkable life will be held on February 1, 2025, 11:00am at

Cumberland Methodist Church on George Owen Rd in Fayetteville, North Carolina 28304.

Family, friends, and those whose lives were enriched by her are invited to come together in

celebration of her legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to The

American Cancer Society reflecting Kathy’s lifelong dedication to service and community.

Her family takes solace in knowing that she has united in eternity with her parents, siblings,

and ancestors, resting in peace and love.

The King Family would like to thank everyone that reached out to us during our time of need

via phone, text, Facebook etc. It really means so much to us.