Shirley Ruth Freels King

Shirley Ruth Freels King, 87, of Nashville, TN, formerly of Harlan, was born March 29, 1936, in St. Charles, Virginia to Clarence Freels and Ethel Rosenbalm Freels. She stepped from this earthly life into her eternal life on October 26, 2023, four days short of the 26th home going anniversary of her husband Robert.

Shirley, who was known by most people as Sister King, had a personal relationship with Jesus for 75 years. She loved God more than anything and her utmost desire was to live a life pleasing to Him. She was a dedicated Prayer Intercessor, who spent countless hours before God on behalf of family, friends, the church, and the world. It was not unusual for her to get multiple calls each day from people asking her to pray for them.

She was also a loving wife to her husband, Robert D. King (Preacher King), and worked beside him in ministry as they pastored for many years. They pastored for many years in Harlan at the Evarts, Closplint, and Clover Street Churches of God. They were beloved by many and esteemed by their congregations and fellow ministers. She always liked working with the youth in the church and became a second mother to many. She volunteered as the girl’s head counselor at the Kentucky Church of God Youth Camps for several years. Only eternity will tell the number of people who were brought to Christ through their tireless ministry.

Not only did she work in ministry, but also held several positions in secular work. She was a telephone operator, a preschool teacher and administrator as well as a licensed Funeral Director, in Kentucky and Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Robert King, her parents and siblings and a grandson.

She is survived by her sons, Robert and wife Helen, Joseph, and Glen and wife Rhonda, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many other family and friends who sorrow, but not as those who have no hope.

Funeral services will be Thursday, November 2, at Life Church Nashville, 215 Broadmoor Drive, Nashville, TN at 7 pm with visitation preceding from 5-7 cst. She will be laid to rest by her husband at the Mayhew Cemetery in Barbourville, Kentucky at 3 on Friday, November 3rd.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Smokey Mountain Children’s Home, 449 McCarn Circle, Sevierville, TN 37862.

This obituary is a courtesy to the family of Shirley King by the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home.