Barbara Condra "Mimi" King

1948 - 2025

Barbara Condra King, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died suddenly, but peacefully, on August 21, 2025, following heart surgery.

Barbara was born on August 8, 1948, in Memphis, TN, to Robert and Mary Condra. She spent her childhood in Memphis and attended East High School, where she met and began dating the love of her life, Robert "Bob" King, in eighth grade. She was voted "Outstanding Senior" and graduated in 1966. Following high school, Barbara attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas for a year before transferring to Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) to be closer to Bob, who was a student at Vanderbilt. Barbara was a member of Tri Delta sorority and graduated from Southwestern with distinction, earning her B.A. in Psychology in 1970.

Bob and Barbara married a week after graduating from college. They settled in Atlanta, GA, where she served for five years as program director of a preschool for children with mental and physical disabilities. When she and Bob returned to Memphis, she earned a master's degree in education in 1977, specializing in early childhood special education.

Barbara devoted herself and her time to advocating for disabled and abused children in her community. While her three children were small, she became involved with the Les Passees Rehabilitation Center for children with neuromotor disabilities, ultimately serving for several years as the Center's Director of Development. Along the way, Barbara learned about a small agency with a staff of three providing domestic violence prevention services. Having gained strong experience as a fundraiser, Barbara was drawn to the challenge of revitalizing the Exchange Club Center. In 1993, when she assumed the role of executive director, she made it her mission to relocate and expand the services the Center offered. At the time of her retirement in 2016, the Center had grown to a staff of 45, provided two dozen services annually to more than 5,500 children and adults in Shelby County, and increased its budget tenfold.

Over the years, Barbara received many awards and recognitions, including Victim Services Professional of the Year in 2001, presented by the Shelby County Mayor, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, and the District Attorney General.

Even after her official retirement, Barbara continued to serve the community in many ways, including as a board member for Thistle & Bee, an organization dedicated to empowering women survivors of prostitution, trafficking, and addiction.

Barbara was an active member of Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, contributing in many capacities throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bob, and her three children: Whitney King Fogerty (T.J. Flanders) of Memphis, TN; Ryan King of Denver, CO; and Carey King Slocum (Whit) of New Orleans, LA. She is also survived by her six grandchildren with whom she shared so many laughs and hugs: Abby Fogerty, Will Fogerty, Emma King, Walker Slocum, Davis Slocum, and Henry Slocum. Last, but certainly not least, she is survived by her many dear friends and her beloved dogs, Charlie and Dougan, whom she considered her "children" as well.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Canale Funeral Directors, 2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, TN. A service will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1720 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Thistle & Bee, P.O. Box 111607, Memphis, TN 38111 or visit https://thistleandbee.org.