Vicky Lynn King

Vicky Lynn King

Daughter, Sister, Friend, Coach and Mentor

Family and friends are heartbroken to share the passing of Vicky L. King on November 23, 2025, in Carbondale, IL. Vicky was born in Fairfield on June 23, 1954, to Don and Mary (Dosier) King. She was raised in Mill Shoals and spent her wonderful childhood playing sports with her sister Karen and neighborhood friends. She thrived in a close-knit and loving family. Vicky was a member of the Mill Shoals Baptist Church. She graduated from Mills Prairie High School in 1972 as valedictorian and to many people’s surprise, she was the homecoming queen and a cheerleader. Vicky spent her college and professional life in Carbondale where she excelled as an athlete, teacher, coach, administrator and loving friend to so many people. Vicky was a lifetime athlete and competitor. Even though her high school did not offer organized sports for girls, in 1972 she arrived at SIU playing both softball and basketball. In 1975, Vicky was in the first female athletic class to receive a full ride scholarship, thanks to the then newly enacted Title IX. She continued to be a warrior for women’s rights and to ensure Title IX stayed in the forefront at Carbondale Community High School (CCHS).

Vicky graduated from SIU in 1976 with her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. After that she served as a graduate assistant for SIU Women's Basketball Team. In 1984, she earned a Master’s degree in Sports Administration and also achieved her Education Administration Certification in 1994. Vicky was a sports enthusiast. She loved golf outings and tournaments with all her golf buddies and was a Carbondale Terrier through and through. She loved all sports. As a coach and mentor, she touched many, many lives. For young girls and women throughout the region she was a pioneer as the first female athletic director in Southern Illinois.

Vicky spent her entire career as an Illinois high school educator and mentor. Vicky began her teaching career at Murphysboro High School. Soon she was hired at CCHS as a physical education and driver education teacher as well as the softball coach, all positions in which she excelled. Vicky also coached girls’ golf and basketball for many years. CCHS soon realized her talents and her love of athletics and promoted her to Athletic Director in 1994. Finally, she found her home as CCHS principal in 2004 and retired in 2010. During her coaching career she won over 250 softball games, took the first girls golf team to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Championship. Along with Diane Daugherty, she hosted the First IHSA State Girls Golf Tournament in Southern Illinois (for 6 years), with over 175 volunteers. In 2002, Vicky was instrumental in the planning and development of Carbondale's new high school and the Super Block Sports Complex. Vicky served on the IHSA Legislative Committees for Athletic Directors, Principals and Golf for many years. After retirement, Vicky served on the CCHS Board of Education and was inducted into the CCHS Hall of Fame for both Athletics and Service.

A tremendous thank you to her two main care givers, Diane and Sue. Also, thank you to her sister, Karen, Molly, Paula, Julie and Kim. Thank you to Dr. Charlotte West for being such a great friend, positive role model and mentor throughout her college career, Vicky’s professional career and life.

Vicky is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Karen and Steve Baker of Fairfield; Niece Jenna (Brad) Dunnigan of Waterloo; Great Nieces and Nephews Xavier and Terrance Baker; Isla, Solvi, Silas and Maris Dunnigan. Special friends Diane Daugherty, Sue Anderson, Cindy Scott, Molly Hudgins, Paula Clark and Julie Beck. Vicky was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Donna Catherine, and nephew Cory Baker.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Carbondale Community High School Gymnasium. Please wear CCHS or Terrier apparel if possible.

LIVE, LOVE, GOLF

Memorials to be sent to: 

 CCHS Vicky King Scholarship Fund

 1301 East Walnut St. 

 Carbondale, IL 62901

Mill Shoals Baptist Church

1629 County Road 400N

Fairfield, IL 62837

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Vicky, visit www.meredithfh.com