Shirley Mae King

On July 23, 2021, God called our beloved home. Shirley Mae King, was born on March 26, 1938, to the union of Theodore Roosevelt Rayner and Rowena Rayner in Portsmouth, Virginia. Shirley received her formal education through the Portsmouth Public School System, where she excelled in her studies and graduated at I. C. Norcom High School. She also attended classes and received an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development at Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake Campus.

Shirley King accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Ebenezer Baptist Church of Portsmouth, Virginia, where she served as a faithful member. She truly loved the Lord and served in various organizations at the church to include the Starlight Club, Chancel Choir, and Women’s Service League. Shirley also worked as a Sales Associate at Sears Roebuck, Daycare Assistant at Abby’s Ark, Cashier at Phar-mor, and a cook at The Holiday Inn. Most of her time was spent as a loving and devoted wife to Mannie King. In her leisure, she enjoyed singing and studying her Bible. She loved to draw and enjoyed family gatherings, reading, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Shirley King lived a good life and was truly blessed. She was preceded in death by her mother Rowena Rayner, father Theodore Roosevelt Rayner, son – Tyrone Everett, sister – Velma Bullock, brothers Jerry Rayner and Franklin Rayner, and nephew – Jerry Mario Rayner. She leaves to cherish her memory; her husband, Mannie King; three daughters – Valinda Everett, Angela Staten (Kenneth) and Sheryl Williams; three sons – Reginald Everett (Donna), Karl King (Angela), and Shawn King (Paula); three brothers – Richard Rayner (Gloria), Milton Rayner, and Arthur Rayner;  13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends.