Emma Lee "Lovick" King

"REFLECTIONS OF A LADY"

On Thursday morning, January 29, 2026, Emma Lovick King was peacefully called home to be with
the Lord. She entered eternal rest in the home where she chose to age in place - a home she lovingly
opened to family and friends throughout the years.
Emma Lee Lovick King was born on May 9, 1926, in Pantego, North Carolina (Beaufort County). The
third child and eldest daughter of the late Elder G. R. Lovick and Sister Sara Clark Lovick, she was
one of six children raised in a home grounded in faith, education, and service. At an early age, Emma
joined Queen Chapel Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, in Terra Ceia, North Carolina, where her
father faithfully served as pastor. There, she developed a lifelong love for worship, finding joy in
singing in the choir and traveling with her father as he ministered throughout Beaufort and
neighboring counties.
Emma was Salutatorian of her Beaufort County High School graduating class of 1944. She continued
her education at North Carolina College for Negroes, known today as North Carolina Central
University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She often shared
fond memories of the institution's founder and president, Dr. James E. Shepard, recalling how he
would walk the campus reminding students that knowledge required discipline and purpose.
Emma began her professional journey as a dietitian at New York City Hospital. Guided by her
mother's loving counsel, she returned home after two years to embrace her true calling and began a
distinguished career in education. Emma taught for seventeen years at Beaufort County High School
and later at Pantego High School, where she was one of only two African American teachers
selected to integrate the school system. During this time, she remained a strong advocate for
academic integrity, excellence, and equity.
On leave from military service, Sgt. Eddie H. King returned home and captured the heart of his true
love. Emma Lovick and Eddie King were married on June 9, 1958, in Bennettsville, South Carolina,
and made their first home in Fort Devens, Massachusetts. In 1967, they settled in Washington DC,
where they built a life marked by shared purpose, professional dedication, and service to the
community. As returning home to Terra Ceia regularly for worship became difficult, they sought a
church home and were led by the Spirit to National City Christian Church There, Emma devoted
herself fully to the life of the church, serving faithfully for more than four decades as Greeter, Usher,
Deaconess, Elder, and Elder Emeritus until her health began to decline. Emma and Eddie were
blessed with 45 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and partnership until Eddie's
passing in 2004.
"The district" had long been the place that "Ms. King" envisioned for her life and work and it is
there where her professional legacy flourished. She served as an educator and administrator within
District of Columbia Public Schools, teaching at Mildred Green School, Calvin Coolidge Senior High

School, H.D. Woodson Senior High School, and the Adult Program at Woodson Junior High School.
Her leadership roles included Assistant Director of D.C. Public Schools (1978–1980) and
Supervising Director f Home Economics Education (1980–1994), from which she retired.
Emma's academic achievements were equally distinguished. She earned a Master of Science from
Howard University (1970), a Master of Science from The Catholic University of America (1970), and
completed postgraduate studies at Catholic University (1978). She was also awarded an
Assistantship in Foods and Nutrition at the University of Maryland and a Fellowship in Home
Economics Education at Howard University.
Throughout her life, Emma remained deeply engaged in civic, educational, cultural, and faith-based
organizations. These included the Elder G. R. and Sister Sara Lovick Scholarship Fund, Future
Homemakers of America, National City Christian Church (Elder Emeritus), Association for the Study
of African American Life and History (ASALH), Shepherd Park Book Club, Civic League of North
Portal Estates, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Golden Soror), Order of the Eastern Star
(PHA), International Federation of Home Economists, American Association for Career and
Technical Education, American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences, National Council of
Negro Women (Life Member), Women's National Democratic Club, Top Ladies of Distinction,
Women of Washington, Inc., and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, where
she served as President. She also volunteered at the White House during the Clinton administration.
Emma was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, Eddie H. King; her brothers
Theodosius, Rudolph, Nathaniel, and Reginald Lovick; nephews Jesse, Andrew, Victor Bernard, and
Gerald Lovick; and her great-niece Contina Lovick Brown. She leaves to lovingly cherish her
memory, her sister Verneice Lovick Davenport of New York, NY; sister-in-law Minnie Linton Lovick
of Lithonia, GA; nieces Sharon Lovick of Lithonia, GA, Rachelle Davenport and Ingrid Davenport of
New York, NY; nephews Granver Reginald Lovick III of Durham, NC and Travaughn Joseph Lovick of
Washington, DC; niece-in-law Lauristeen Lovick of Lithonia, GA; great-nephew Shawn Lovick of
Lithonia, GA; great-nieces Ayesha Lovick Gharbin (Kwaku) of Greensboro, NC, Najah Parker, and
Maya Parker of New York, NY; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, family, and friends.
Emma Lovick King lived a life of purpose, excellence, faith, and service. She poured herself into
education, community, and family, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership and love. Her memory
will continue to inspire generations to come. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I
have kept the faith."
- 2 Timothy 4:7

Obituary Mrs. Emma Lee Lovick King 99

Emma Lee Lovick King of Washington DC, passed away on Thursday January 29, 2026 at Home.

A public visitation will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026, from 4-6pm at Queen Chapel Church of Christ 76 Beaufort St. Pantego NC.

Celebration of Life will be 2:00 pm Sunday February 8, 2026, at Temple of Jesus Christ Family Life Center 810 Hackney Ave Washington, NC

Burial will follow Cedar Hill Cemetery Washington NC.

If you wish to have a church resolution or any special tribute read during the service, please ensure it is submitted to the family several days in advance.

To send flowers, please contact The Flower Spot directly at (252) 975-2520 to ensure timely delivery.

Condolences may be sent to leonrandolphfh.com or faxed to 252.946-3115. They may also be emailed to leonrandolphfh1934@aol.com.

Please keep the King/Lovick family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Professional and Caring Service has been entrusted to: Leon Randolph Funeral Home, 208 West. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Washington, North Carolina, 27889.