Mary E. King

The beloved matriarch of our family, MARY ELIZABETH COX KING, affectionately known as “Elizabeth” was born on January 7, 1929, in Northumberland County, Virginia, to the late Daniel and Elsie Cox. After a brief hospitalization, Mary peacefully received her heavenly wings on May 15, 2025, at the remarkable age of 96. Mary was the third of the six children. She was preceded in death by her sisters Ella Washington and Louise Palmer, and brothers Henry Cox and Charles Cox. Her youngest sister, Roxie Bachman, remains to carry forward the rich legacy of the Cox family – a family known for its unwavering faith and dedicated service to the Christian church. Mary received her early education through the Northumberland County Public School System and later attended Carver Vocational Technical School in Baltimore, Maryland, where she nurtured a lifelong passion for sewing. A gifted and imaginative seamstress, Mary created her own patterns and crafted garments using unconventional materials like brown paper bags. Her most cherished design included elegant bridesmaid dresses with matching hats, stylish skirts, and beautifully tailored tops. In 1944, Mary married the late Corbin Wilson, and from this union two children were born: Litwell and Angela. After Corbin’s passing, Mary later met and married the late John Henry King in 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland. Together, Mary and John loved on their children: Angela, Mary, and Joyce. Mary worked as a retail sales professional for many years, employed by notable clothing stores such as London Fog, Herman’s, the 3 and 5 Shop, Lerner’s, and Lexington Lady. Her spiritual journey began at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Virginia. Upon relocating to Maryland, she became an active member of Sweet Hope Freewill Baptist Church, where she faithfully served in the Flower Circle and on the Usher Board Ministry. In 1965, she was invited by District Elder Robert Jones of Syracuse, NY to attend a revival at Bethlehem Temple under the pastoral care of Elder John D. Barnes. Mary joined Bethlehem Temple, was baptized, and later that year received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Her service to the Lord was passionate and steadfast. At Bethlehem Temple, she helped form the first Usher Board Ministry, sang in the choir, worked in the kitchen, kept the church clean and served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. When Elder Barnes’ health declined, Elder James Nelson, Sr. assumed leadership, and Mary played a key role in organizing fund raising events, inviting guest churches and speakers, and selling dinners to support the Pastor’s Aid Committee. Mary was a spirited worshipper known for her joyful praises, often captured in church videos as she danced and shouted with joy. She also expressed her faith through song writing, penning a beloved song titled “Miracle Working God.” Two of her favorite hymns were “Down Through the Years, God’s Been Good to Me” and “I’m Free.” Mary was proceded in death by her loving husband John Henry King, her son Litwell Wilson, and her daughter Mary (King) Carter. She leaves to cherish her memory: two devoted daughters, Angela (Russell) Hawkins of Baltimore, MD and Joyce Davenport of Covington, GA; her cherished sister, Roxie Bachman of Baltimore, MD; five loving grandchildren, Tanya (Cedrick), Elisa (Claudie), Raven, Angela, and her only grandson, Alexander Sr. “Slugger” (Brianna); great-grandchildren, Asia (Christian), Justin, Michaela, Joshua, Kasi, Ariana, Courtney, Heaven, Amircle, Alexander Jr. (AJ) and Grayson; great-great-grandson, Baby Jur’nee; son-in-law, Gregory Carter; sister-in-law, Edna Cox; brother-in-law, Joseph Palmer. Godchildren, Lorenzo Rice and Anita Washington; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends who were touched by her life. Thank you for loving her. Thank you for caring for her. Thank you for blessing her life.

Tributes

Mary E. King

January 7, 1929 - May 15, 2025