Barbara Sue King

Barbara Williams King, lovingly known as Barbie, died suddenly April 16th, 2025, surrounded by her loving friends and family.

Barbie was a light in the lives of those who knew her, and a source for laughter and fun.

A lifelong resident of Kansas City, MO, she graduated from Oak Park High school Class of 68’.

She had a deep affection for people, which was evident in all her career choices. Some of these paths included the United Way, where she was a volunteer prior to becoming an employee, The Family Conservancy, and Sherwood Autism Center. Post-retirement and at the time of her death, she was a paraprofessional at Crestview Elementary for special education students. In her free time, she was a volunteer for the Jackson County Casa, which advocates in the courts for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Barbie also loved her sideline jobs as bartender and was her own one woman show at the KC Rep Theatre for many years.

Barbie felt most at home when surrounded by her friends and family. She was a presence at every social gathering, always bringing energy and joy. Her vibrant personality left a lasting impression and touched many lives wherever she went. She was truly the life of the party. She made so many friends during her life and was amazing at keeping in touch with everyone, even those connections dating back to high school. She strongly believed that it was not what you have in your life, but who you have that matters.

She was also fiercely independent. There was nothing she thought she couldn’t accomplish. Always creative, she would take on DIY projects head on. They didn’t always go to plan, but were nevertheless impressive!

She was predeceased by her parents, Marguerite and Jack Williams, and sister, Judy Wempe.

She is survived by her daughter Cecelia (Cece) King of Seattle, WA, and her sister, Kathy Eldridge and husband David Eldridge of St. Joseph, MO.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

Barbie had many sayings and quotes she used. Some of the favorites are: “you never grow old until you’ve lost all your marvels”, “dance like nobody's watching”, and “be yourself, everyone else is already taken”. Her extraordinary presence was marked by these beliefs.

Barbie was an inspiration to every connection she made. She was warm, silly, and a force of nature. She was known to have signed off every email with one specific quote with her signature: “well behaved women rarely make history”.

We love you Barbie, and you will always be missed. Every laugh we share will be in honor of you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barb's memory to Crestview Elementary, 4327 N. Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO 64116 - a place close to her heart.