Alice King

Florance Alice Furnace King, affectionately known as Alice, peacefully transitioned on Monday, February 9, 2026. She was born on February 6, 1920 to the late Giles Hall and Gertrude Furnace in Frederick, Maryland. Her mother, Gertrude Hall, died when Alice was five years old. After the death of her mother, Alice was raised by her grandmother, Lillie Furnace, the daughter of Emily Goens. Emily Goens was the daughter of Alice's great great grandparents, John and Violeta Bowie.

When Alice was a toddler, the Furnace family moved to the Coatesville community of Passtown (also known as Hayti). Hayti was a predominantly black community located near the city of Coatesville, PA. Alice graduated from Coatesville Area High School in 1938. After high school graduation, Alice moved to Wayne, PA to work for the Chadwick family.

During the time she worked for the Chatham family, Alice met John King. On September 6, 1942, Alice was united in marriage to John King. Shortly after their marriage, while John was serving overseas during World War II, she lived with the Chatham family. The Chatham family encouraged Alice to continue her education at Penn Business School. When John returned home, their marriage was blessed with two sons, John Jr (Jackie) and David. They purchased a home in Mt. Pleasant, Wayne, PA, living there happily until the death of John King Sr. in 2006. After the death of her husband, Alice moved from her beloved home in Mt. Pleasant to Berwyn, PA. She resided in Berwyn until her death.

At an early age, Alice joined the First Baptist Church of Passtown in Coatesville, PA. After her marriage to John, Alice faithfully served Second Baptist Church of Wayne for the rest of her life. On October 24, 2004, Pastor Rev. Dr. Raymond Thomas presented her with the Deaconess' Certificated that commended her as Deaconess of Christ. Throughout the years, she coordinated fashion shows with Mrs. Ruth Welburn and coordinated many banquets and fundraisers for the Church.

When her youngest son, David, entered elementary school, Alice began her professional career at B. Altman Company (St. David's, PA) serving as Department Head until the department store closed in 1990's. She was then employed at Hallmark until retirement at age 80 in 2000. Alice volunteered for Fair Acres Geriatric Center (Media, PA), working in the gift shop for approximately 14 years, finally retiring after the death of her husband in 2004.

Hospitality is Alice's middle name. Alice loved cooking, baking, and entertaining. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed entertaining her family and friends at her home. In her rose garden, Alice enjoyed teaching young ladies how to set the table and how to host the perfect tea party. To family, friends, neighbors, as well as strangers, her most memorable attribute is her smile that made all instantly feel comfortable and welcome.

Alice was a loving mother and grandmother who was happiest when she was spoiling her sons and her grandchildren. She was very proud of all their achievements and encouraged them through their good and their bad times. Alice's core personality never changed. She was always a grateful, loving, caring, kind, compassionate, and sweet servant of the LORD and her community.

Alice is predeceased by her granddaughter, Latisha Bates, daughter of David King; sisters, Edith Gaffney and Phoebe Lee.

She leaves to honor and cherish her memories: two sons--John (Jackie) King Jr. (Ruth) and David King; two grandsons-Sean King (Jun) and Bryan King; three great grandsons-Jamil Bates, Xavier King, and Isaiah King; her special niece, Florence Gaffney; and many siblings, a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Sorrowfully submitted by,

The Family