Parlela

King

Mother Parlela King was born August 19, 1928 to the late Novola Willa Mae Smith and David Smith. She was raised on 806 Pinewood Street; Toledo, OH and attended Robinson Junior High School. She was the oldest of her two sisters, Estelle Veal and Betty Jean Marks.

She was married to the late Ollie King, Sr. on November 30, 1943, and to this union they had 12 children. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 4, 1993 reaffirming their wedding vows at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church under the late Pastor Emeritus, W. L. Barnes with their children, sisters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Parlela and Ollie moved to 714 Russell Street during the 1950's where all twelve of their children were raised. It was during this time that the King family joined True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, and became faithful members. She was an active member for over 50 years serving on the Mother's Board, Senior Mission, Kitchen Committee, and being chairperson of the annual Women's Day Smorgasbord for many years. She worked tirelessly in the church, and never turned down any project ask of her. Many times, she and her children would clean the church out of the goodness of their hearts.

After being a devoted homemaker, she was employed by the Toledo Public Schools on September 4, 1973 as a food service worker. She went on to become the food service supervisor at Cummings Zucker School retiring on July 1, 1989. Her legacy at Cummings was nurturing, kind, and firm with all the students. She became a loving person to not only the students but also to the teachers and staff.

Before being employed as a food service worker, she diligently studied for her car license at the age of 43 having never driven a car. She passed her temps and driving test the first time, and went on to drive herself to work each day. She was not a person to depend on anyone.

She was known throughout the Stickney community as "Mom King", and would welcome anyone in her home and feed them. She was always gracious, kind, and giving.

She was honored in 2016 as a recipient of the 100 Women in White Trailblazers, and received recognitions in church for her many dedicated hours given. Her hobbies were cooking, sewing, reading, traveling, watching politics, and dancing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ollie King; son, Don Barry King; daughters, Belinda Felicia King and Iris Louise Byrd; grandson, Vernon Monroe King, Jr.; son-in-law, Peter Haythorne; and sisters Estelle Veal and Betty Jean Marks.

Parlela leaves to cherish her memory: sons, Ollie King, Jr.; Robert Louis King, (Yvonne); Vernon Monroe King; Tony Gerald King, (Kathy); daughters, Cordelia Smith; Izetta Marie Lee (Thomas); Deborah Lavine Haythorne; Portia Denise King; Francine King; hosts of grandchildren, great, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special granddaughter, Irisha Shonta King; loving niece, Beverly Taylor; and special friend, Rosemary Dunn.