Mrs. Betty Barbara King was born July 12, 1944, in Tampa, Florida, to her parents John Jackson, Sr., and Clara Cummings Hudson (both of whom preceded her in death). The legendary Mrs. Betty King story ended on March 1st, 2025, at 3:25 p.m. when the final chapters of her book of life were closed. Mrs. King began her journey at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. She later became educated in the Hillsborough County Public School system. She served many years in the Order of Eastern Stars. Mrs. King was the matriarch of her family and touched many lives across the board because of her unwavering love for her family, friends, and those lives she touched along the way. She was known and loved in many communities throughout Tampa, starting with Central Park, College Hill, Palm River, and her undying love, where she built her foundation in Clair – Mel – City. She was an extraordinary cook and well known for being one of the best frozen cup ladies in the business.

As her story ends, she joins the one's that have cleared the path for her: husband, David King, Sr.; granddaughters, Shantell, and Donshanequia; grandson, Vontrae; great-grandsons, Dominque and Kevontrae; and siblings, Lillie Mae, Willie Mae, Dorothy Mae, Sonny, and Anthony.

Mrs. King leaves those behind to cherish her memories and continue her legacy: children, David King (Sandra), Reggie King (Janet), Cheryl Norton, Sandy Norton, Carolyn Gilbert, Deborah Rivers, and Felicia Ward Stewart (Ian); grandchildren, David, Patrina, Reginald, Jimmie, Tyiest, Octavious, Tequila, Kendrick, Breyatta, Dontonio, Takieia (Horatio), Cherrell, Taquana, Rontavious, Adarius, Charlise, Cheyenne, Kiara, Shawness, Shaketa, Keianta, Tony, Donshae, Tameisha, Randall, Sherry, Dimatrius, Shytiana, Shae, Karheema, Carlos, Joshua, and Christopher, Jr.; siblings, Joyce, John, Willie, and Curtis; godson, Carlos Potts; goddaughter, Shawn Gardner; longtime friend, Shirley McPherson; numerous of great and great-great grandchildren; a host of nephews and nieces, friends and extended family. Special thank you to Ms. Lisa, for her dedication and support for the care of our mother, and special thank you to the Wilson and Phylis families and everyone that contributed to our family.