I first met Ms. Earline Heath King when I was dating my husband back in 1998. She was the best friend and life companion of my husband’s father. So when we married in 2001, she was at the wedding. And I know she was never technically my mother-in-law, but she always felt like one. She passed away in her sleep yesterday. She was 98 years old.
Earline, or “Queen” as we called her, was an extraordinary woman. I was able to learn more about her life adventures during each family visit. And she had such a big life. She met a president. She lived in Europe. She earned an honorary doctorate degree. She began to sculpt for the first time when she was 40 years old. But not only was sculpting her hobby, it became her life’s work and passion. She had over 300 pieces commissioned including several popular public sculptures. She was an icon in her small hometown of Winston-Salem, NC, a place she lived her entire life.
She was also a fun and glamorous lady. She dressed impeccably and matched everything with beautiful costume jewelry. She told funny stories and she loved a good martini.
My kids loved calling her Queen. She was the sweetest lady and the name suited her well.
We will miss you, Queen.
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