Joanie King
d. January 20, 2015
Joanie King
In the early morning hours of January 20, 2015, Joanie L. King lost her battle with cancer while surrounded by her daughters, Dawn Ball and Erika King, grandson Hunter Price, her brother Dr. Ronald Williams and her lifelong best-friend Gloria Biggs Beverburg. Joanie's journey began on July 2, 1947 in Fort Smith, Arkansas as the newborn daughter to Dr. Ralph and Cathy Williams. The daughter of a teacher, it is no wonder that she entered into teaching herself; serving as a Special Education teacher and Cheer Coach for the Pulaski County Special School District. She taught at Fuller Jr. High, Mills High School, Harrison Jr. High (Harrison, AR) and finally retired from Joe T. Robinson High School in 2012 after more than 35 years as a teacher.
Joanie was known by many names: Mom, Sister, Ms. King, Joanie K and friend but her favorite was being called "Onie" by her grandchildren, family and friends.
"Onie" had many passions but being a cheerleading coach was her special calling and the bond that she shared with her cheerleaders was remarkable. Although small in stature, "Onie" was formidable when it came to her standing up to and for her students. She was known by all for telling it like it was-either good or bad. She was an advocate for the underdog and a champion to her students who had lost confidence. This honesty endeared her to students, friends and faculty and she maintained these relationships for years. She had a fond affiliationwith "The Lake House Girls", a special group of friends who were the cornerstone of her life, that she met for lunch/dinner once a month and at least twice a year at "The Lake House" on Lake Hamilton.
"Onie" loved animals, particularly elephants, and collected numerous statuaries that she displayed proudly. She was extremely fond of her protective dachshund, "Gertie", who rarely left her side.
The family would like to personally thank Dr. Stephen Humbard, Baptist Health Hospice, Baptist Health 10th Floor Oncology and the 6th Floor Dialysis Unit Nurses and Staff for their dedication and love they showed to our mom.
A special thank you goes to Gloria Biggs Beverburg. Our mothers best friend and our "Other Mom" for over 42 years. We could not have made it over these last 7 months without you. The love and respect you had for our mom is immeasurable. We can never thank you enough. We love you very much and you will always be our "Other Mom."
"Onie" is preceded in death by her parents Dr. Ralph and Cathy Williams. She is survived by her daughters, Dawn Ball (Dennis) of Bigelow, Erika King of Little Rock, her brother Dr. Ronald "Bud" Williams of North Little Rock and 4 grandchildren, Hunter Price, Alex, Ashley and Adam Ball, niece Jessica Williams and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be truly missed.
There will be a memorial service immediately followed by a balloon release in honor of "Onie" on Saturday, January 31st starting at 11:30 at Joe T. Robinson High School. We the family would be honored if you were able to attend.
Funeral services are Sunday, February 1st starting at 2:00 p.m. with the Rosary followed by the family service at 2:30 at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). "Onie's" online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
Joanie was known by many names: Mom, Sister, Ms. King, Joanie K and friend but her favorite was being called "Onie" by her grandchildren, family and friends.
"Onie" had many passions but being a cheerleading coach was her special calling and the bond that she shared with her cheerleaders was remarkable. Although small in stature, "Onie" was formidable when it came to her standing up to and for her students. She was known by all for telling it like it was-either good or bad. She was an advocate for the underdog and a champion to her students who had lost confidence. This honesty endeared her to students, friends and faculty and she maintained these relationships for years. She had a fond affiliationwith "The Lake House Girls", a special group of friends who were the cornerstone of her life, that she met for lunch/dinner once a month and at least twice a year at "The Lake House" on Lake Hamilton.
"Onie" loved animals, particularly elephants, and collected numerous statuaries that she displayed proudly. She was extremely fond of her protective dachshund, "Gertie", who rarely left her side.
The family would like to personally thank Dr. Stephen Humbard, Baptist Health Hospice, Baptist Health 10th Floor Oncology and the 6th Floor Dialysis Unit Nurses and Staff for their dedication and love they showed to our mom.
A special thank you goes to Gloria Biggs Beverburg. Our mothers best friend and our "Other Mom" for over 42 years. We could not have made it over these last 7 months without you. The love and respect you had for our mom is immeasurable. We can never thank you enough. We love you very much and you will always be our "Other Mom."
"Onie" is preceded in death by her parents Dr. Ralph and Cathy Williams. She is survived by her daughters, Dawn Ball (Dennis) of Bigelow, Erika King of Little Rock, her brother Dr. Ronald "Bud" Williams of North Little Rock and 4 grandchildren, Hunter Price, Alex, Ashley and Adam Ball, niece Jessica Williams and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. She will be truly missed.
There will be a memorial service immediately followed by a balloon release in honor of "Onie" on Saturday, January 31st starting at 11:30 at Joe T. Robinson High School. We the family would be honored if you were able to attend.
Funeral services are Sunday, February 1st starting at 2:00 p.m. with the Rosary followed by the family service at 2:30 at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). "Onie's" online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Rosary Service
FEB 1. 2:00 PM (CST)
Little Rock Funeral Home8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
Service
FEB 1. 2:30 PM (CST)
Little Rock Funeral Home8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joanie King, please visit our flower store.
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