Margaret Hazel Winters King

Published 11:45 am Monday, March 4, 2024

Margaret Hazel Winters King, 88, of Elizabethton, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, March 1, 2024. She was born in Roan Mountain, Tenn., and was the daughter of the late Thomas and Etta Harris Winters. In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred King; son, Chris King; brothers, James Harris and Gurney Ray Winters; and sisters, Louise Winters and Shirley Caldwell.

Those left to cherish Margaret’s memory include her children, Beverly (C.E.) King, Terry (Samantha) King, LaDonna King, and Tammy (Tommy) Keene; grandchildren, Jared (Jessica) Deskins, Ryan Deskins, Michael (Ashley) Blevins, Mitchell (Savanna) Blevins, Dakota Rutherford, Kasey King, Karson (Gabriella) King, Elijah King, Samuel King, Christianna (T.J. Hicks) King, and Laura Reigh King; great-grandchildren, Kelly, Grayson, Reagan, Liam, Jack, Finn, Camryn, Connor, Brayden, Madelyn, Christopher, Raelyn, and Ivy; and daughter-in-law, Angie King. As a long-time member of Borderview Christian Church, Margaret also leaves behind a large and loving church family.

Margaret attended Cloudland High School where she was an invaluable member of the girls’ basketball team. She married Alfred King in 1954 and was a devoted wife and mother for the rest of her life. Margaret and Al were married for 66 years until his death in 2021. Looking forward to their heavenly reunion sustained her in her last years of life. Margaret and Al raised five children and were positive influences in the lives of their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and young people throughout the community. Their legacy lives on in the lives they have touched and nurtured.

Margaret worked in the cafeteria at T.A. Dugger Junior High until her retirement in 1997. During her 19 years at the school, she did every job in the kitchen and cooked just about everything. The one job she enjoyed the most was making rolls which she loved to make as much as the kids loved to eat. With each meal served, she added a smile and kind words. 

Margaret was a devout Christian woman, taking an active part in her church whenever possible; she particularly loved singing in the church choir. During her many years as a member at Borderview, she not only sang, but also attended too many church services to count, taught Sunday School, worked in the nursery, taught in Vacation Bible School, visited the sick, and generally gave of her time and talents to benefit, and set an example for others. She has been quoted as saying “There is no need to worry about things on this earth….Let go and let God,” and “I feel that when one door is closed in your life, God is always there to open another one.” Her family rejoices that heaven’s door has opened to receive Margaret, where she can see and walk again and be reunited with the love of her life, Big Al.

Margaret was kind, compassionate, and generous, always making time in her life to give to and care for friends and family, without thought to personal sacrifice. Her compassion extended to include not only people but also the dogs and cats she rescued and adopted over the years. She was an avid animal lover and those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Margaret to the Elizabethton Animal Shelter, 135 Sycamore Shoals Drive, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

The family will greet friends to share memories on Wednesday, March 6, at Borderview Christian Church, Elizabethton, from 11 a.m. until the celebration of Margaret’s life beginning at 1 p.m. with Scott Fisher and Scott Reynolds officiating. A graveside service will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Several of Margaret’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home, 211 N. Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, TN 37643 (423-542-2232) is honored to serve the King family during this difficult time.