Daisy "Irene" Williams King
May 2, 1939 – January 7, 2025
Proverbs 31: 25-26
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Daisy "Irene" Williams King, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025, at the age of 85.  Irene was born on May 2, 1939, in Lenoir County, N.C., to Arnold and Oleta Williams.

Irene met the love of her life, Arnold King, while on a blind date with his cousin.  This chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful partnership that lasted 57 years until Arnold's passing.  Together, they made their home on the family farm in Beulaville, N.C., where they raised two devoted daughters, Debra and Donna.

As her children grew, Irene joined the workforce, embarking on a career that reflected her nurturing spirit.  For over 30 years, she worked in the Beulaville school cafeteria, where she fed countless young students with care and kindness.  Known for her remarkable memory, she could recall nearly every student's lunch number, a talent fondly remembered by many. Upon her retirement, even teachers jokingly lamented the challenge of remembering their own numbers.

Irene, affectionately known as "Rene" to some of her family, was a woman of boundless energy and generosity.  She poured her heart into everything she did, whether tending to her beautiful garden, preserving family traditions, or sharing her homemade treats.  Her gifts—fresh vegetables, jars of hot pepper vinegar, or boxes of lovingly made Christmas candies—were a testament to her thoughtfulness and warmth.

Irene's joyful spirit made her the life of every gathering.  She loved fishing, clamming, boating, playing cards, and family vacations, bringing fun and laughter wherever she went.  Though the family lost her vibrant personality to illness a decade ago, they hold dear the precious memories of those shared adventures.

Irene's sweet soul and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her.  She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of her family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold Williams, Oleta and Jerome Garner (stepfather), husband, Arnold King, daughter, Debra King, sister, Bonnie Jacox, brother, Rodney Williams, and brother-in-law, Gilbert Jacox.

Irene is survived by her daughters, Donna King Sanderson (David), Beulaville, N.C., Sherry Keen, Raleigh, N.C.  Also left to cherish her memory, brother: Quinton Williams (Ann), Newport, N.C., grandchildren, Jared Sanderson (Brittney), Ivey Baker (Cale), Noah Keen and Grayson Keen; great-grandchildren, Emberly Sanderson, Blakely Sanderson, Jensen Sanderson and Banx Garner, special neighbor and friend, Kevin Brown.

In memory of Irene, donations may be made to CASA, specifically, Kings Ridge (named in Debra's honor).
https://www.casanc.org/properties/kingsridge/kingsridgedonate/ or by mailing a check to:
CASA
PO Box 12545
Raleigh, NC 27605

Funeral Service:

Sunday, January 12, 2025

2:00 PM

With visitation beginning at 1:00 PM

Community Funeral Home, Beulaville, NC

Interment:

East Duplin Memorial Gardens, Beulaville, NC

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the King family.