Mary Virginia (Morris) King

Mary Virginia Morris King, 73, of Cherokee Village died Friday, November 26, 2004, in a Salem Hospital.

Born December 3, 1930, in Rector, she was the daughter of Johnny and Gertie Vickers Morris. She was an active community leader since moving to Hardy in 1959 and worked on projects of service to the people of the Spring River area. She emphasized the importance of literacy and history as her efforts focused on Sharp County Library projects and the publication of “The Hardy History.” She held General Federated Women’s Club positions of leadership on the local, district, and state levels, including president of the Timely Club.

She was co-owner of the original King Real Estate Agency. She was an avid Highland Rebel sports fan and one of the first Mothers of Highland Athletes to establish the annual All-Sports Recognition Banquet more than 30 years ago. She was a member of Hardy First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Kenneth King; two sons, Kevin King and Joel King; a daughter, Deanna Strobbe; six grandchildren, Kara McEntire, Brett Strobe, Erika King, Kolby King, Preston King and Landon Strobbe, all of Highland; and a sister, Reba Nolen of Marmaduke.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Marie Smith and Beatrice Craig.

The funeral was at 2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church in Hardy with Ferrell Duffell and Larry Kendrick officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery in Highland.

Pallbearers were Doyne Webb, Linn Garner, Ronald Qualls, Jim Counts, Robert Clay, Kenneth Sanders, Kerry Evans, and Paul Stovall.

Honorary pallbearers were Max Hill, Louis Preston, Mickey McFatridge, Todd Stovall, Henry Gschwend and Timely Club members.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Sheriffs’ Ranches programs.

–Batesville Guard, Monday, November 29, 2004, p.5.