Margaret King - Obituary

argaret F King, of Washington D.C. passed away on Friday, July 13, 2012 at the age of 92. Born in Washington D.C., she was the youngest child of the late James E Branson and Mary Elizabeth (Mamie Joy) Branson. Most of her life was spent in the Anacostia (S.E.) section of the District. She was very proud to be a 4th generation Washingtonian. Besides her parents and siblings, she was predeceased by Spouse, James M King Sr., Son James M King Jr., one granddaughter and one great-grandson. She is survived by son and his wife, Frank D and Pam King, Sr., Daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia (Patsy) and Barry Van Vleet, Margaret E and Donald D Stithem, and Christine and Jeffrey D Wencel. She also leaves 9 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews to mourn her passing. Too numerous to count are the people that she took into her heart. She cherished the relationships that she had with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Her love for everyone was unconditional. Her first job was at Rice’s Bakery helping to prepare the pastries and donuts. Later, she was employed by the Ayres sisters to work behind the “soda fountain” at Ayers Pharmacy on Nichols Ave, S.E. (now M.L. King, J.Ave). During her 43 years there, she went from soda jerk to clerk to drug clerk to pharmacy assistant to store manager. She was given many challenges in her life. But with the love and support from family and friends and her unwavering faith in God, she always faced them with grace and dignity. Margaret was the ultimate die-hard Redskins fan. Whether her team had a winning or losing season, she was right there cheering them on. Family and friends knew not to call her when her beloved team was playing. You would find burgundy and gold in every room in her apartment. She loved to travel (it didn’t matter to where), read ,complete the word finds, getting flowers (not growing them since she did not have a green thumb) and in later years to feed and watch her “children” (the various birds, squirrels, and Harry the groundhog) that played in the back yard. But what she cherished the most was her family and friends. She will forever be a part of us, staying in our hearts and memories.