Doretha King's Obituary
Doretha King, born on October 27, 1939, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to Willie and Climmie Benson, passed away on September 24, 2024. She was one of fifteen children, growing up in a large and loving Christian family.
In 1963, Doretha married Reverend Rayford King, and together they were blessed with nine children. Her dedication to her family was matched by her commitment to her community and faith. Doretha served in her church, as the Vice President of the National Y.P.P.U., Vice President of the Women’s Mission Program, and was a devoted Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School teacher. She was a cherished member of the Church of The Living God, C.W.F.F.
Doretha’s hobbies included teaching Sunday School, interior designing, writing poems and poetry. Doretha worked as a radio resistor line supervisor for Texas Instruments before becoming a full-time homemaker. After raising her family, Doretha began a career with Mary Kay Cosmetics and was recognized several times as a high-ranking sales representative.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and her siblings Willie Edward-Lee Benson, Zeatice McKinney, Elijah Benson, Donnell Benson, Pearlene Benson, Frankie Hector, and Willie F. Benson Jr., as well as her daughter Crystal King.
Doretha is survived by her children: Mark King, Paul King (Bridgette), Philemon King, Christopher King, Princeston King, Sophillia King, La’Evening Woodard (Rodney), April Atkins (Alanya), and Brook King. She also leaves behind a legacy of 22 grandchildren: Julian Jones, Timothy Woolen, Brennan Jones, Gabrielle King, Adrian Woolen, Blake King, Zachary Woolen, Suan King, Kwamae King, Loreal Jones, Devon King, McKayla Jackson, Hope Smith, Erin Ross, Gabriel King, Krystal Jackson, Aaliyah Ross, Courtney Woodard, Angelique Woodard, Gianni Bowie, DeMarcus Atkins, Chloe Atkins, and Omarien Atkins; and 5 great-grandchildren: Aiden Jones, Aiden Robinson, Karsyn Thomas, Za’novia King, and Kamarie Atkins. She is also survived by her siblings MacKenzie Benson, Princeston Benson, LaVern Williams, Dorlean Johnson, Lenora Speech, Maria Benson and Daffinie Benson.
A wake for Mrs. King will be held on October 3, 2024, at Restland Funeral Home (13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75243) from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM; viewing beginning at 4:00 PM. Her funeral service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Church of The Living God (3711 Biglow Dr., Dallas, TX 75216) at 11:00 AM. The graveside will follow the funeral service at Restland Cemetery at the Court of Serenity.
Doretha’s life was a testament to her faith, love, and dedication. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
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