Josephine King was born to Cornelius Hunt and Beatrice Trawick in Mississippi on Jan. 21, 1917. The family then moved to Enid, Okla., where she met Robert King and married him on April 13, 1941. The couple moved to Portland in 1942.
Much to the amazement of her family, the love of her life, Robert King, was the seventh child born to his parents, and was born on the seventh day of the seventh month. Robert was called home at the age of 97 at seven minutes to 12:00 on Dec. 7. Their love was so intertwined from start to finish that Josephine was called home at 7 p.m. on Jan. 7.
The Bible declares that seven is the number of completion. By the seventh day, God had completed the work He had begun doing. On the seventh day, He rested from all his work and blessed the seventh day and made it holy. God's designing hand in states that seven is a spiritual number, a number of perfection and completion. For this reason, Robert and Josephine's loved ones have cause to believe that the final chapter in the union of Robert and Josephine is now complete and the two of them are happy as one.
Josephine was a dedicated worker for American Building, and soon after for NW Packaging, from which she retired. Josephine then became a certified child care provider and domestic engineer, providing care as "Granny" for most of her grandchildren as well as many others.
Josephine was involved in several organizations, clubs and committees, including The Oklahoma Ambassadors club, where she was recognized as its first president; the National Council of Negro Women; and the High Hatters Club. She was a faithful member of Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, where she served on the pastor's aid board, mother's board and mission choir.
Josephine leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: one son, Willard King, of California; four daughters, Opal Broadous, Barbara King, Della Frazier and Florene Bradley, all of Portland; three sons-in-law, John Frazier, James Broadous and Charles Bradley; two sisters, Lilian Stepps, of Enid, Okla., and Estella Reed, of Indianola, Miss.; 19 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Josphine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert King; one son, Leonard King; two brothers, Robert and Martin; one grandson; and five great-grandchildren.
Services were entrusted to Cox & Cox Funeral Chapel.
