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Obituary for Florastine Marie King
Remembering the Life & Legacy of our Beloved Wife & Mother
Florastine Marie King
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church 5732 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19139
Marie Florastine King was born February 28th 1939 in Philadelphia PA. She was the second oldest of four children born to the late William Purnell and Marie Elizabeth Seymour. Marie and her siblings were reared by their mother and step-father, the late John K. Robinson. Her older sibling was the late William P. Seymour Jr. Marie was educated by the Philadelphia Public School System. As a youth she attended Junior Worship Services at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. During this period, she was baptized under the pastorate of the late Rev. D.W. Hoggard. Marie also sang on the Young Adult Choir under the direction of the late Napper H. Hester III. She took lessons and learned to play the piano at St. Matthew AME Church. Shortly after graduating high school, Marie met Allen Lloyd King. Love brought them together; love joined them together. On September 27th, 1958 Allen and Marie –Florastine as she was lovingly called by her groom were joined in Holy Matrimony. Born to this union was a son, Allen Jr. and two daughters, Stacy Marie and Dana Denise. Early in the marriage Florastine worked as a telephone operator with Bell Telephone, a job she began following her high school graduation. Years later she worked both in retail sales and the banking industry from which she retired in 1996. Marie also made time to take classes at Widener University. This ultimately led to her enrolling at Penn State University where she earned an Associate’s Degree as a paralegal; she further gained admiration from her family for her drive and determination. One of the things most important to Florastine was that her children learn of the love of God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Faithfully she made sure that they regularly attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Sunday Worship ...even when Allen Jr. did not want to. She went so far as to drive the kids nearly 40 miles roundtrip to facilitate their continued spiritual growth at Mount Carmel. Of the many roles Marie fulfilled, wife and mom were the roles she found most rewarding. A woman of diverse interests, Florastine enjoyed good music, i.e. all things Motown. You could not convince her that she and Diana Ross were not twins separated at birth! At family get-togethers Marie and middle sister Mary good naturedly contested for the role of Miss Ross. Youngest sister Joyce and the younger female cousins didn’t stand a chance. They willingly accepted being a Supreme not named Diana. Marie also loved to dance and she did so from the Bop to the Slop to the Robot. One of her favorite dance partners was brother-in-law Nate with whom she danced ballroom style. Together they were an elegant and graceful pair. Florastine also liked to sew and design all occasion cards. As a seamstress “Teen” (a family nickname) enjoyed sewing clothing for herself and her family. This was particularly so concerning Teen’s mother who was also her sewing instructor. Inquisitive and intelligent Florastine became knowledgeable and skilled with personal computers. This was never more evident than in the creative and compassionate cards she so meticulously crafted and used as a ministry tool to bless the sick and shut-in members of the church. Recognized as a member of Mount Carmel for over 50 years Marie was not content being a pew member. She insisted on being a “do” member. She taught young children in Sunday School in the 1970’s and after a hiatus found herself working with children again in Vacation Bible School (2004-10). She continued maturing in her own faith by regular attendance and participation in Sunday School, weekly Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. Marie functioned most frequently in the spiritual gifts of helps and hospitality. Seeking no recognition of her own she delighted in working behind the scenes for the good of others, especially as it pertained to the advancement of God’s kingdom. She also was extremely generous in opening the doors of her home and the cupboards of her kitchen to others. An outstanding hostess, Marie made sure you felt welcomed when you came to the King home for one simple reason – you actually were welcomed! There were no strangers. Guest status was reserved only for those who had never been there before; if you had been, you were not a guest you were family. When her oldest daughter Stacy became pastor of Christ Christian Community Church in Media, PA (2010) Marie selflessly supported her by sharing her gifts, skills and talents in ministry with the CCCC community. She became the head of the Trustee Board and continued to share her love of arts and crafts with the youth. If flyers or church bulletins were in order, you need look no further – Mom King was on it! In May of this year, Florastine became seriously ill. It was an uphill battle; she fought a good fight, finishing her course and keeping the faith. On Wednesday December 2nd 2015 God declared the fight over as Jesus held and raised her hand high overhead in a sign of absolute and undeniable victory! The Holy Spirit ministered unto Marie, showing her the beauty and purity of her spiritual transition into eternity. Ultimate victory for Florastine was realized as she was ushered into the presence of her Heavenly Father. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” I Timothy 6:12 KJV After fifty seven years of marriage, loving memories of Marie will be within the heart and mind of her devoted husband, Allen L. King Sr. Also to mourn, yet cherish her memory: son, Allen L. King, Jr. [Carol]; daughters: Stacy [Vaughn] Chaney; Dana [Charles] Butler; grandchildren: Joshua Wright-Hill of North Hollywood, CA; Ahyana King of Chestertown, MD; Rachel King; Allen King III; Matthew King; Imani Chaney; Jasmine Chaney; Maya Chaney; Nina Butler; Elijah Butler; great-grandsons: Miles Hill and Jalen Hunte; two sisters: Mary [Nathaniel] Byarms and Joyce Robert, nieces and nephews great and grand; an accumulation of loving cousins which includes the Beckett Family Circle of Love; friends and neighbors.
"What's in a name? that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet;" ( from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet)
Regardless of which name, nickname or title you best knew her by, rest assured the aroma of the relationship and the fragrance of the friendship will linger on. We will remember Marie Florastine and we will remember her fondly. “Good night Florastine, Mom, Marie, Mom Mom. See you in the a.m.!”
