SarahKing

SarahKingSarah Elizabeth McKelley King (Mrs. Walter Hughey King Sr.), died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013.A community and patriotic leader of Murfreesboro, she was born in Murfreesboro on Nov. 7, 1921, was a seventh generation resident of Rutherford County.She was the daughter of the late James Dudley McKelley and Lutie Jameson Osborn. After graduating from East High School in Nashville, she continued her studies at Vanderbilt University. On May 10, 1941, Mrs. King married Walter Hughey King who served in the Marine Corps during World War II, with the 3rd Marine Division during the invasion of Iwo Jima and the occupation of Guam. Mrs. King was a candidate for the U.S. Congress in 1976, receiving the endorsement of the Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro) and was appointed as an Advisor to Congressman Albert Gore Jr. He, in turn, served as one of her Advisors from 1983-1986 during her three year term as President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, an organization of over 212,000 women. She devoted much time to patriotic and cultural organizations. Recognized in 1978 as Rutherford Countys Outstanding Citizen, Mrs. King served on the State Library Commission, was a member of the New York Society Daughters of the Cincinnati, the United States Daughters of 1812, the Huguenot Society of Tennessee, organizing Regent of the Oaklands Association, Regent of the Sam Davis Memorial Association for eight years and member of the Board for more than 30 years.She was regional vice-president of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, member of Chapter VII Colonial Dames of America, National Society of the Daughters of the American Colonists, a Life Member of the Ladies Hermitage Association, and First Methodist Church.She was predeceased by her husband, parents; sister, Martha McKelley Meeks; and brother, James Dudley McKelley Jr.She is survived by children, Walter Hughey King Jr., M.D., Carmine King (Charlie) Jordan, Newton Dudley (Cynthia) King, Sallie King (William) Norton; grandchildren: Walter Hughey King III, Cannon King (Catherine), Mollie King, Collier King, Hamilton King, John Jordan (Sanna), Andrew Jordan, Susan Jordan (Blake) Russell, Christopher King, William L. (Heather) Norton IV, Jameson (Anna) Norton, Sarah Norton (Adam) Ross; and 13 great-grandchildren.Memorials to The Exceptional Foundation 1616 Oxmoor Road Birmingham, AL 35209, NSDAR Tennessee Room, 1776 D. Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 or a charity of your choice.Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at First Methodist Church, 265 W. Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Father John Sims Baker and Rev. Michael OBannon will officiate.Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.Visitation will be 4 until 7 p.m. today at Woodfin Memorial Chapel, 1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. 615-893-5151. www.woodfinchapel.com.