Shirley King, a beloved matriarch and cherished resident of Mount Vernon, Illinois, peacefully passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at SSM Health Good Samaritan in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
She was born on November 4, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Alice (Norwood) Brown. Shirley was 88 at the time of her passing. She married Tom King, and he preceded her in death.
Shirley dedicated her life to her family and her work. She was a devoted employee at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois, for several years, where she was known for her diligence and convivial spirit. After her tenure at the airport, she embraced her role as a stay-at-home mother, where she not only nurtured her own children but also became the heart of her extended family. As a gifted cook and baker, Shirley delighted in preparing meals for family gatherings and was renowned as an exceptional family party planner. Her home was always filled with warmth, love, and the delightful scent of her baked goods. Shirley’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, where she created countless cherished memories. Her legacy will live on through her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were all touched by her love and kindness. Shirley King will be remembered for her unwavering love, her devotion to her family, and her extraordinary kindness. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Tom King, with whom she shared a beautiful life and three children: Gregory Martin, Antionette Martin, and Shelly Martin, as well as her two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her devoted children: Helen Wallace of Centralia, Tamara Martin of Georgia, Cynthia Pryor of Georgia, Thomasine King of Mt. Vernon, and Yvette King of Mt. Vernon. Shirley also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and a sprawling family tree filled with love.
Shirley King, beloved matriarch, devoted mother, grandmother, and treasured friend, peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital.
Born on November 4, 1937, in Chicago, Shirley was the cherished daughter of Alice (Norwood) Brown. She lived a life rooted in faith, family, love, and service, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through generations.
Shirley was united in marriage to Tom King, who preceded her in death. Together they built a life centered around family, resilience, and unconditional love.
Throughout her life, Shirley touched countless people with her warmth and generous spirit. She worked for several years at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, where she was admired for her strong work ethic, welcoming personality, and ability to brighten the lives of those around her. Later, Shirley wholeheartedly embraced her role as a homemaker and caregiver, becoming the heart of her family and home.
A gifted cook and baker, Shirley was famous among family and friends for her unforgettable meals, delicious desserts, and beautifully planned family gatherings. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, wisdom, and togetherness. Whether preparing holiday dinners, celebrating milestones, or simply gathering loved ones around the table, Shirley made everyone feel valued and deeply loved.
Her greatest joy in life was her family. She poured endless love into her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, creating memories and traditions that will forever remain in their hearts. Shirley’s strength, kindness, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family defined the remarkable woman she was.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom King; her children, Gregory Martin, Antionette Martin, and Shelly Martin; as well as two brothers and two sisters.
Left to cherish her precious memory are her loving children: Helen Wallace of Centralia, Illinois; Tamara Martin of Georgia; Cynthia Pryor of Georgia; Thomasine King of Mount Vernon, Illinois; and Yvette King of Mount Vernon, Illinois. She also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love.
Though Shirley’s earthly presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, strength, compassion, and family unity will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life Service honoring Shirley King will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Second Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia, Illinois, with Pastor Isaac D. Parker officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, which is honored to be of service to Shirley’s family. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store
