Elwanda Freeman King passed away Monday, May 17, 2021, surrounded by her loving family at the White River Medical Center in Batesville. She was born November 7, 1928, in Nelsonville, Arkansas to Jasper Freeman and Vallie L. Norris Freeman. Her family had settled in that area as early as 1810 when Arkansas was still Missouri Territory. She married Oris King who preceded her in death 32 years ago. During her working years, she owned and operated a dress shop in Evening Shade and later in Nelsonville. She also worked in the County Clerk’s Office with her husband Oris. She enjoyed playing bingo, working in her yard, and fishing. She was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Cave City.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jasper and Vallie Freeman; her husband, Oris L. King; her sister-in-law, Janna L. Freeman; brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, Marcus King (Lavaughn), Lowell King (Violet), Lowis King (Maxine), and Orelia Butler (Jewell).
She is survived by her daughter, Michele King Gerhardt (Kenny); granddaughter, Emilee Gerhardt; brother, Jasper “Doc” Freeman; several cousins including her bingo partner, Betty Lou Peebles, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Cave City with Bro. Stacy Reed and Bro. Ron Canard officiating. Burial will follow in the Lebanon Cemetery in Nelsonville with arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.
Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church.
Honorary pallbearers are Grayden Milligan, Lee Smithee Jr., Jerry King, James E. Street, Tommie Masner, and John Way.
Pallbearers are Ed Kegley, Floren King, Larry King, Randy Allender, Bobby Smithee, and James Sturch.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, John Sanders Ministry, P.O. Box 124, Cave City, AR 72521
