Jayne King Lowe

Jayne Ellen King was born on January 4, 1935 in Boley, Oklahoma to Sebrone Jones King, Sr. and Eva Charles King. Her father was a prominent local businessman who owned a bank, cotton gin and was a Veterinarian. Her mother was a school teacher. Jayne was one of four children born to their union. Jayne was affectionately known to the family as “Baby Doll”. She attended elementary and high school in Boley, Oklahoma graduating Salutatorian from Boley High School in 1951. Boley and its people remained at the forefront of Jayne’s spirit. She annually supported the Boley Rodeo and participated in Boley High School reunion activities. Jayne meticulously kept articles of Boley activities throughout her life.

At 16 Jayne moved to Washington, DC to attend college. She graduated from Howard University in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. Jayne married Dudley Lowe in 1955; the two divorced in 1967. Jayne later married Frank Willingham in 1976 and the two successfully operated a contracting business together until their divorce. Although she never had children of her own, “Aunt Baby Doll” was a beloved part of the lives of her many nieces and nephews.

Jayne began working part-time in 1955 with the Census Bureau. At that time racism was prominent and she had to start as a Grade 2 clerical class - despite having a degree. In 1958 Jayne was employed by the U.S. Department of Labor as a Statistician where she remained for 25 years. After retiring from the government to care for her mother, Jayne was also able to turn her attention to some of her favorite activities: bridge and volunteerism. Jayne was an AVID bridge and pinochle player. She was a member of numerous bridge clubs including the American Bridge Association, Washington Bridge Unit and was a Grand Life Master. Bridge gave Jayne the opportunity to play and travel to various tournaments. She also served as secretary to various bridge associations for many years.

Jayne’s charity and spirit of volunteerism were commendable. In 1985 Jayne began volunteering weekly with the American Red Cross at Providence Hospital helping patients keep track of blood pressure screening. She continued there until recently. Jayne also participated in Blacks in Government and was a founding sponsor of the African American History Museum.

Jayne moved to the Marlton community in Upper Marlboro in 1994. She served as treasurer for well over 10 years on both the Marlton Control Commission and Community Associations of Marlton. Jayne also assisted in proofing the Marlton Community Advocate. Her importance to the community led to both October and November 2014 articles being written about her life in the Advocate.

In 2018 Jayne moved to Riderwood in Silver Spring, MD where she enjoyed living independently while also being closer to her sisters, Hortense King McClinton and Eva King Dugger-Humphrey. In addition to her sisters, Jayne is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, other family members and friends, her beloved bridge club members, members of the Marlton community, and Riderwood Senior Living Facility residents and staff.