Mrs. Gwendolyn King

It is said that there are words in the English vocabulary that are more solemn than all of the others. They are Life, Death and Eternity. Life is more solemn than death; to live is more serious than to die. The object of Christ's death was life. A Christian's death gives them a more abundant life. Death is a joyful messenger of peace whose kind hand opens to the weary pilgrim the gate of immortality and lets the soul go free.

The life of Mrs. Gwendolyn Calhoun King was one of love and devotion to God, family and her fellow man. She was the oldest sister of 12 children born to the parentage of Maurice Leotis Novinkis and Lillie Mae Calhoun on September 15, 1940.

Her formal education was received in Bonham, Texas. At a very young age, she united in Christ at New Home Baptist Church until she moved to Wichita Falls, Texas and joined St. Matthew Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. L. W. Washington, Sr. Gwendolyn’s Christian life is one to be applauded. She truly loved the Lord and had a special relationship with Him. Her life was exemplified by God’s deliverance and grace. Gwendolyn exhibited love, kindness and concern for all people. Gwen’s journey by way of California, Texas, Florida and Indiana, led her to Austin, Texas where she united with the Victory Christian Center under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Lee Boss where she remained faithful until her health failed.

As an entrepreneur of various businesses and restaurants, Gwendolyn was noted for her exceptional culinary talents. Gwen was married in 1956 to the late Ray Charles Humphrey. To this union three children were born. In 1968, she married Willie Henry King, who preceded her in death in 2008. One son, Orlando Humphrey, one sister, Barbara Jones, brothers, Jerry and Marcell Calhoun and also preceded her death.

She leaves to cherish her legacy and wonderful memories: son, Anthony Humphrey (Sarah); daughter, Janice Humphrey-King (Stuart); three brothers, Richard Calhoun (Yoni) of Chester, VA, Ernest Calhoun (Gwen) of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Carl Calhoun (Martha) of Sherman, TX; sisters, Maryland Densey, Esther Phillips (C.J.), Eddie Calhoun, Helen Barnes (Glenn) of Dallas, TX and; Shirley Simms (Delbert)of Spring, TX, 12 grand children, 26 great grand children, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.