Emma Jean King

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,  I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown  of righteousness,  which the Lord, the righteous judge,  shall give me at that day: and not to  me only,  but unto all them also that love his appearing.”  II Timothy 4:7-8 (KJV)

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Angel of Silence came and sealed the lips of Emma Jean King, peacefully transitioning her from a world of sickness and sorrow to her place of eternal rest.

Emma, affectionately known as "Jeanie," was born on December 28, 1947, in Armorel, Arkansas. She was the fourth child born to the late JB and Izona Brown. At an early age, Emma accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was reared under the spiritual leadership of the late Bishop Nathaniel Wells Sr.  On November 12, 2006 she united with New Bethel Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Rev. Milton P. McAfee.  She used her God given talents wherever she was needed…always with a smile and her “Emma J. King” special humor that always had you rolling over with laughter.  Her passion was serving others.

In 1964, Jeanie was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Thurman Earl Sr. Together, they shared 34 years of marriage and were blessed with eight children. A woman of great determination, Jeanie returned to complete her education later in life, earning her GED in her 30s and later receiving her Associate’s degree from Jordan College, milestones that remained among her and her family’s proudest moments.

Jeanie had a lifelong passion for children, dedicating many of her later years to the school system. Known for her "green thumb," she was an avid gardener who could make any plant bloom. She found joy in the simple things: coloring beautiful pictures and meticulously completing puzzles, which she often glued and framed as keepsakes. Above all, she was the glue that held her family together, and her unmatched love for her children and grandchildren will be her lasting legacy.

She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Natalie R. (Michael) Johnson of Southfield, MI, Tonya (Ike) Bickham of Spring, TX, and Sheila (Esaw Thompson) King of Benton Harbor, MI; and one son, Thurman (Michelle) King Jr. of Rockford, MI. Her legacy continues through her ten grandchildren: Sheena, Shenita, Amber, Ashia, Patrick, Desha, Wesley, Shaila, Marcus, and Shakiya; twenty great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters: Beatrice Brown of Washington DC, Patricia A. Beechem of Dayton, TX, and Yvonne M. (Michael) Mitchell-Johnson of Grand Rapids/Benton Harbor, MI; and three brothers, Johnny B. Brown and Clarence D. (Theresa) Brown of Grand Rapids, MI, and Joel B. Brown of Benton Harbor, MI; An Aunt:  Mother Jossie Williams of Benton Harbor, MI;  two sisters-in law:  Floyd Jean Moore and Rev. Pennie (Jerome) Stallworth.

Jeanie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thurman Earl King Sr.; her parents, JB and Izona Brown; four children, Timothy, Terrence, Tiffany, and Tammy; and four sisters, Virgie, Georgia, Beulah, and Mildred.

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