Jeanet Parham King

1938 - 2026

On the afternoon of Friday, January 23, 2026, God in His infinite wisdom called home a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend, Jeanet Mae Parham King.

Born on September 22, 1938, Jeanet entered the world amid the heavy rains of the historic “Great New England Hurricane”. From these turbulent beginnings emerged a force of compassion, strength and care. She was the first of three siblings to be born to the late Roger and Georgia (Perry) Parham in the tobacco town of Wendell, North Carolina. As world war raged in Europe, the family sought greater opportunity by relocating to Norfolk, Virginia when Jeanet was six-years old. 

In Norfolk, Jeanet excelled academically and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1956. Drawn to a life of service, she enrolled at Virginia State College at Norfolk–now Norfolk State University–where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. She was a proud member of the school’s first nursing class, one of the nation’s earliest two-year nursing programs and the first and only college at the time devoted to training Black nurses –a legacy of excellence  and trailblazing that she carried with quiet pride throughout her life.

As an RN, Jeanet interned at Central State Hospital, the country’s first hospital for mentally ill African Americans. After a short time, she was hired-on permanently. Her professionalism and attention to detail distinguished her, leading to multiple leadership roles, including Acting Assistant Director of Nursing. For 33 years, Jeanet faithfully served the Commonwealth of Virginia and retired as the Program Coordinator for Central State’s Barrow Geriatrics Treatment Center. During this season of her life, Jeanet was introduced to her future husband Earl. Their love story led to marriage in 1973, and from this union came a son, Emil. It was also at Central State that Lora Adkins-a young and eager new employee who would become her beloved god-daughter–would come into her life. This was yet another lasting relationship shaped by Jeanet’s guidance, care and generosity of spirit.

Jeanet found her spiritual home at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Petersburg, where she was a devoted member for decades. Her faith lived, not merely spoken. She was actively involved in numerous ministries, including the Women’s and Nursing Ministries, and was a proud member of the  Order of the Eastern Star. She generously volunteered her time assisting with health fairs and food and toy drives, always seeking to uplift others. She enjoyed fishing, board games, puzzles, shopping, and more fishing. 

After retirement, she deepened her commitment to serve by supporting the under privileged through organizations such as CARES, a shelter, food pantry and clothes closet for women, children and families in crisis. A lifelong Baptist, Jeanet remained steadfast in her faith until the very end, living in a way that honored her God and her family. Those who knew and loved her witnessed an inner beauty that did not fade with age–a gentle, godly and quiet spirit that reflected her inner peace and strength.

Jeanet was predeceased by her parents, Roger and Georgia Parham, and her beloved brother, Roger Parham. 

Jeanet leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband of over 50 years, Earl; her son, Emil King (Kelli-Ann) of Hyattsville, MD; her daughter, Jeanette Sharpe (Derwin) of Portsmouth, VA; her brother, Marvin Parham of Norfolk, VA; her god-daughter, Lora Adkins of Henrico, VA; nieces, Latonia Page (Brent) of Shepherdstown, WV and Raquel Parham of Winchester, VA; grandson, Elliott King; granddaughters, Selecia Williams (Brian) and Alexis Sharpe; great grandchildren, Camryn Williams and Kaylen Williams; and great nieces and great nephews, Elijah Page, Aaliyah Lateef, Georgia Page, and Judah Page. Among the numerous and wonderful confidantes she collected throughout her life, she leaves especially close friends, Connie Green, Gladys Evans, Shirley Dobie, Mary Harwell, Elnora Meade, and Mattie Winston.

The memories of her warm presence, unwavering faith and positive impact on all who knew her will forever be etched  in the hearts of those she loved–and those she served.  “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” -Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shared their prayers, love, and support during this time of bereavement. Your kindness, compassion, and expressions of sympathy are deeply appreciated and will forever be remembered.

Services will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor, eulogist. The interment at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5694043?fl=so&fe=fs