Mrs. Rose King

Margaret Rosetta (Rose) King was born on July 6, 1944, in Montgomery, Alabama. At two years of age, with her parents, Samuel and Pauline Hayden, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee where her faith was nurtured by Clark Memorial United Methodist Church. She received a BS degree in psychology from Bennett College in 1966 and completed course work towards the MS degree in psychology at Howard University. After teaching in New York, she returned to Nashville where she worked in her mother’s beauty salon as a cosmetologist Her earthly journey ended on April 27, 2022. She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sandra Hayden.

Rose faithfully supported the ministry of her loving husband, Bishop James R. King, Jr. in Tennessee, Kentucky and South Georgia. Her passion for teaching was deeply inspired by Susanna Wesley which aligned with her being a teacher at heart. She taught children and adults in Sunday school, co-led workshops with her husband and hosted church gatherings. As the wife of a pastor, district superintendent and bishop, she believed clergy spouses should be supported, and have healthy outlets in order to be most effectively engaged as partners in ministry. She wanted them to have rich, encouraging experiences. Rose also desired her clergy spouse colleagues to pursue lifelong educational opportunities as well. Recently, she worked to establish Bible Study Fellowship International Evening Women’s Group in Columbus, Georgia.

She was devoted to family, peace and creating loving relationships with a big smile. When it came to discord in the world, her commitment to prayer and peace often left her saying “only in heaven.” Precious memories will continue in the hearts of her husband and their three children: Jothany, James III, and Robert; grandsons Jaylon and Joshua; sister-in-law Linda, nephew Langston; the Hunter family which includes a host of cousins and many friends.