Iola Luella King

Iola Luella King, 90, of San Marcos, CA, was called to her heavenly home, February 22, 2026. Born December 2, 1935, in Highland Park, IL, to Oscar and Madie Miller, she lived a life marked by faith, family, and service.

A Celebration of Life will be held March 21, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Anthem Church, Vista, CA.

A graduate of Waukegan East High School, Iola was a standout athlete and in 1954 became the first African American recipient of the Girl’s Athletic Association (GAA) Best All-Around Women’s Athlete award. On January 22, 1957, she married Herman King, and together they raised seven children.

A devoted woman of faith, Iola was an active member of Gideon Missionary Baptist Church in Waukegan, where she directed the H.J. Cook children’s choir and taught BTU. She was also an active member at Calvary Temple, Waukegan. An avid reader and gifted writer, Iola authored and published three books: “Joy In The Midst of The Storm”, “Love Has No Boundaries”, and “The Talking TV”.

She had a deep love for music and wrote scripture songs, teaching them first to her children and later to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who still hold those songs dear. She believed music and the arts would uplift her children and keep them grounded — and she rejoiced in seeing all seven of her children grow into productive, saved, spiritual, and community-minded individuals.

She is survived by her sisters, Ella Kincaid (MI) and Orelia Johnson (IL); her children, Victoria (Handel) Smith (IN), Herman (Bridgette) King (FL), Stan (Martha) King (CA), Ronald (Angela) King (OK), Rodney (Gabriella) King (CA), Craig King (CA), and Debora (Gary) Wondercheck (CA); 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

Mother Iola …fought the good fight. She finished the race. She served the Lord faithfully, now she has received her crown of righteousness. II Timothy 4:8