Our beloved, Darcelene June Benton King, was born on March 22, 1941 in Topeka Kansas to her father, Cartress Benton and Marguerite Waters Benton. Gracing this side of Heaven with 76 precious years, Darcelene was called home to be with the Lord on May 22, 2017.
Darcelene attended and graduated from Topeka Public Schools. She continued her education in her pursuit to become a nurse – lead by her passion to help others. She fulfilled that goal and became a LPN. Alongside her professional attainment, she would find love – marrying James Melvin King Sr. To this union, they had five children: one son, James Jr. and four daughters, Stacey, Anita, Rochelle and Teresa Jo. Darcelene raised her family with her husband and practiced nursing for more than 30 years. She worked at Comery-O’Neil VA Medical Center for several years. She also worked at numerous Topeka nursing homes, having the opportunity to care for several of her family members.
Mrs. King was a longtime member of East Eighth Street Baptist Church before becoming a member at Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church. She loved spending time with her family, playing bingo, doing word search puzzle books and crocheting. She was also an avid bowler prior to becoming ill. Above all was her love for her family. She adored her children and loved being a grandmother to all her grandbabies. Her brother and sisters held a special place in her heart. Darcelene was always encouraging and inspiring others.
Mrs. King was preceded in death by her father, Cartress Benton; mother, Marguerite Benton; daughter, Teresa Jo King-Solomon and a sister, Diane Kay Benton-Mounger. Eight days after she ascended to the Heavens, her dear brother, Delbert Benton, joined her in her journey to be with the Lord.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, James "Jimmy" (Musulyn) King (Raleigh, NC); her daughters, Stacey King (Stacey) Croskey (Topeka, KS), Anita King Young (Topeka, KS), Rochelle (Shelly) King (Topeka, KS); her 13 grandchildren, Jamel, Shawnta, Matthew, Brandon, Rodney, Kenyuda, RaeShawn, Zachariah, Strad, James III, Brianna, Malachi and Destiny; 10 great-grandchildren, Jamel Jr., TaeShawn, Zyhir, Akaysha, Leilani, Kayamairah, Jace, Amariana, and Taylor; sister, Donna Bryant (Irving, TX); god sister, Siobahn Plukett-English (Junction City, KS) and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
Darcelene will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
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