Joseph King

Joseph Perry King, known to some as “Joe” and by his parents, siblings, and others as “J.P.” was born to Julius Harry and Alma (Alexander) King, the second of eleven children, on Saturday, March 25, 1939, in Alexandria, Louisiana. It can be said of him, that he was a born leader. He was dedicated and committed to his family, his job/career, his pursuit of education and learning, and most of all to his God. Joe was quiet, reserved, even-tempered and direct, but very serious and diligent about things which mattered to him most. Joseph was raised by his parents, Julius and Alma. His father was a sharecropper, and his mother was a teacher, and life-long educator.

Early in life, Joe learned the value of work, education, honesty, and dependability. His educational journey led him from the one-room class settings in Alexandria, Louisiana to Boise and Twin Falls, Idaho (where he and his older brother Julius, Jr.) were the only two Black students to attend the entire school. Later, he attended Peabody High School in Alexandria, Louisiana, and at 17 years old, he enlisted in the U.S Air Force in 1956, where he received his GED, and learned the skills to become an airplane mechanic, and jump man. After his honorable discharge October 5, 1960, he enlisted in the Army the same year, where he trained as an Emergency Medical Technician, and Counterinsurgency. He was a trained Marksman and Sharpshooter, garnering him several medals and commendations. He was honorably discharged from military service on October 4, 1963.

After his military service J.P. moved to Saginaw, Michigan where he rented a room from his Aunt Mary (father’s sister) and Uncle “Buddy”Wadley. He found employment in retail, at the car wash, and other places, before becoming employed by General Motors Company (Chevrolet Grey Iron Foundry) in February 1963, where he remained employed in supervision/management for 29 years, retiring in April 1992. It was in 1964, that he was introduced to the woman who would become his wife, Helen L. Thomas, who was also from Alexandria, Louisiana (even though they never knew each other) by his sister Alma June Cooper. After just 3 months of courting her, Joseph proposed to her on her birthday, June 6th, and they were married Saturday, October 3, 1964 at her Aunt Ora and Uncle Jack Thorne’s home. The Late Rev. R.B. Austin, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, officiated.

After Joe and Helen became more financially stable in their marriage—growing and learning more about one another, they started their family, with the birth of their first child, Andre Fitzgerald, then, 4 years later, Eric Lyn was born, and finally their third child Bridget Yvonne was born in 1973. In the latter days of his life, Joe learned that he had another child from his early days in the military in Phoenix, AZ, Leonard Arriola whom he met for the first time on May 3, 2025, whom he immediately embraced as his child.

Joe enjoyed life as a husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend to many, having a unique and special bond and relationship with them all. His commitment to family, and to the seniors, was always evident in his life. He was always helping people where he could, always sharing his goods and resources with others (as this is the Golden Rule) in his neighborhood, and in the broader community. He was a voracious reader, and life-long learner. He loved fishing, boating, and other leisurely activities, such as golf and bowling. He had a penchant for sketching, learning the organ, kiting and even riding a unicycle and motorcycle. He made homemade wine, (and just like his father) he made hog head cheese annually—which he eagerly distributed to family and friends alike. Upon retirement, Joe went back to college to pursue higher education. First, at Delta College, then, Saginaw Valley State University, earning his degree in Business Administration. Joe was well-rounded and knowledgeable about a variety of subjects. And, if he didn't know it, he would find a book to read, and learn about it.

A very profound and significant aspect of his life, included his religious and spiritual education. He became a member of the Church of Christian Dominion of Divine Science, Inc. in 1963, pastored by the late Rev. Dr. Esther Wilson Ray, who saw deep spiritual qualities in Joe, which she helped to cultivate through her teaching and spiritual guidance. After several years of devout study of the scriptures, and the gospel of metaphysics (which Jesus taught and demonstrated in his ministry) Joe was given papers of ordination, in 1974, and later given the honorary degree of Doctor of Divine Science in 1979. Dr. King was released to teach classes of spiritual truth, and the science of metaphysics to open minds and aspirants who were ready to receive a deeper understanding about God, and their Higher Self, in soul growth and development. He remained a faithful student of the Truth, and member of the church for over 55 years.

Time and space would fail us to remember all of the vast accomplishments and contributions Joe has made to the world, during his lifetime; but suffice it to say—he made his mark.

Sadly, after being challenged with his health for several months, this year, he made his transition from physical life in the flesh, to eternal life in the spirit, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Select Specialty Hospital, in Saginaw, Michigan.

He has left a great legacy, and has lived an exemplary life, for his family and others to model. He leaves to honor and cherish his life and memory, his wife, Helen, of nearly 61 years, his two sons and a daughter, Leonard, Andre and Bridget. (Eric, Sr. preceded him in death May 25, 2005). His grandchildren, Shana, Eric, Jr. and Langston. Six great-grandchildren, Eric, III, Erin, Elaya, Elijah, Ermais, Emory; three brothers: Mackenzie, Fred, Robert (Pasong), three sisters, Mary Ellen, Annece, and Irma King. (His parents, Julius, Sr. and Alma King, mother and father in-law, Gilbert and Irma Lee Brooks-Eli; his siblings Julius, Jr., James, Isaac, and Alma all preceded him in death); six sisters-in-law, Dora Lee Pinn (CA) Dorothy Baty (LA) Mary Walker (TX), Jessie Pierce (CA) Joyce (Robert) Smith (LA), Garrie Joshua (LA); two brothers-in-law, Emerson “Barrett” Eli, Fredrick “Douglas” (Patricia) Eli (both in LA), two other brothers-in-law (deceased) Christopher “Roy” (Carol) Eli (LA) and Gilbert Ray Eli of (Saginaw, MI) one aunt, Edith C. Brooks (Saginaw, MI), special family friend, Florida Pruitt, close family neighbor, Minnie Jackson, special cousin (Maid of Honor) Margo Hampton. Several nieces, nephews, family and friends will also cherish his extraordinary life.

The family wishes to thank Joseph’s Primary Care Physician, Dr. Mirza Hussein, and his staff, the many doctors and health care professionals at Covenant Healthcare, and the healthcare providers at Select Specialty Hospital, where he received outstanding care throughout his entire stay.