Helen M. King

LEXINGTON - Helen Mew King, age 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Oakleaf Village of Lexington.

She was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 9, 1921 to Herbert and Grace Mew. Helen always enjoyed being outside and loved watching and participating in all sports, particularly horseback riding, swimming, and golf. After the bombing on Pearl Harbor, Helen enlisted in the Army. At first she worked as a mechanic on trucks, but her pretty smile and outgoing personality led her into becoming an Army recruiter. While in the service she met and later married her first husband, Gene Klettner King. During their marriage they had three children (the pride of her life): Susan King Harrison, Gene Klettner King, Jr., and Lawrence William King. In 1968, she married Vernon King. She worked as a bank teller, a receptionist for a dermatologist, and as a buyer for Thomas and Howard. Helen loved her home in Columbia and lived there until the age of 93. She was an accomplished seamstress for her children, grandchildren, and herself. If she was not at the gym, she was gardening in her yard and taking care of her home, including cleaning the leaves off her roof herself. She also loved bridge with her friends or playing Scrabble on the computer. She thoroughly enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen's independent spirit, her frugality, and her resilience will always serve as an inspiration to her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her three children, her nine grandchildren, her eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Toby, her lovable Shih Tzu, was very special to her. She was looking forward to the birth of her 12th great-grandchild in September.

The family will be holding a memorial service at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association, 107 W. Park Blvd., Ste. 220, West Columbia, SC 29210 or Lighthouse Hospice Group, 110 Oak Park Dr., #C, Irmo, SC 29063. Helen's family would like to acknowledge the terrific care she received at Oakleaf Village, with Lighthouse Hospice Group and especially her hospice nurse, Heather.

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.