Ernest Jenner King's Obituary
Rev. Ernest Jenner Olafemide King
Sunrise August 24th, 1926 Sunset September 9, 2023
Ernest Jenner Olafemide King was born to Kingston Antonius King and Janet Elizabeth King (nee Macauley) in Freetown Sierra Leone on August 24th, 1926. The third of six children, he obtained his preliminary education in Freetown where he attended the Prince of Wales School. He then proceeded to the United Kingdom in 1955 where he studied and qualified as a structural engineer. He practiced for 5 years in Cardiff, Wales before returning to Sierra Leone where he carried on his profession until he was called by God to be his messenger. He was ordained as a pastor in 1990 and continued in this vein until his passing.
His surviving wife, Julia Jobi King (nee Olu Williams) who studied nursing in the United Kingdom while he studied engineering has been an integral part of his life for many decades. They were married in Freetown on August 6, 1955, celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary in 2023. Their union produced three children, Elizabeth Macauley, Jenner King, and David King who were all born in the United Kingdom during his studies and early career. He returned with his wife to Sierra Leone in 1964 where they both continued their careers until their retirement in 1990.
He is survived by his three children, 6 grandchildren Avril, Jason, and Janice King, Sukima King (U.K), Seinga, Zaci Macauley and Lexy Williams (U.S.A). He is also survived by one great grandchild Alia King-Lee (U.K), his son-in-law Henry Macauley and two daughters-in-law, Sybil King (nee Leopold) and June King (nee Taylor- Young). Unofficially he had many adopted children in Sierra Leone and abroad.
Dad and Mum returned to the United Kingdom in 1991 after a long and illustrious career. They joined their daughter and son-in-law in Dallas in 1991 where he resided until his passing. In Dallas he carried on his duties as a Minster of God to the very end.
Dad was a man of many talents and interests. This included photography (the man behind the camera), carpentry and gardening. He was a friend and confidant as many would attest to and always kept their confidence. He was an eternal optimist partly based on his faith but also by his very nature. He was always willing to be a listening ear for those who sort his council. He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading his favorite book, the Bible but others such as Reader’s Digest, Homes and Gardens and Do-It-Yourself magazines. He was an avid Facebook contributor spreading The Word and providing words of wisdom and encouragement.
The King, Olu Williams, Yilla and Macauley families thank everyone for their prayers, love and fellowship at this time. We thank Pastor Jerry Zucha and FiveStone Community Church for their incredible support. God bless you all.
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