Maggie May King

Maggie May King, a devoted mother, tireless community leader, and successful business owner whose generosity enriched the lives of countless individuals in Bakersfield and Kern County, passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 104.

Maggie was born on August 26, 1921, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Martin Luther Moody and Lena May Hunt Moody. Her family moved to Central Washington soon after to begin a new life on an apple ranch in the beautiful Wenatchee Valley, at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. In this pastoral community, she spent her early years, graduating from Peshastin High School in 1939. Growing up in a large family of nine children shaped her into someone that valued togetherness, resilience, generosity and the simple joys of life.

Maggie later relocated to California in 1941 where she shared a beautiful life with her loving husband, the late James W. King. They were the proud parents of two children, James Jr., of Santa Maria, CA, and Deborah, of Flower Mound, TX.

A Bakersfield resident for 75 years, Maggie had a deep love for her community and the city she called home guided much of her life. She gave generously of her time, energy, and leadership in support of organizations and causes that enriched the community and touched the lives of many. Her enduring commitment to the arts, children, and the many institutions that strengthened her city was a reflection of her belief in the importance of giving back. She was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder and on numerous committees for the benefit of the church community.

Her love for her family initiated her lifelong commitment to youth and education, serving two terms as President of the Beardsley School PTA from 1964 to 1966, and later rising to leadership positions in the Seventh District PTA. In recognition of her remarkable service to youth, the Beardsley School PTA presented her with an Honorary Life Membership in 1967. She was an active member of the Women’s Club of Bakersfield, serving as president in 1965 and later president of the Kern District Federations of Woman’s Clubs in 1971. She received the Beth Dye Henley award for her service to the club and to the community in 1975.

As a promoter of music and cultural arts in the community, she worked tirelessly for many years for the benefit of the Kern Philharmonic Orchestra, chairing fundraisers, serving on the Kern Philharmonic Board of Directors and presiding two terms as president of the Kern Philharmonic Society from 1971-1973. In 1975 she chaired the highly successful “Brock’s Show of the Year” at the Civic Auditorium to benefit the Kern Philharmonic Orchestra, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Brock’s Department Store.

Her faith was equally central. At the First Presbyterian Church, she taught Sunday school, served as the President of the Women's Association, chaired numerous committees and received an Honorary Service Award for Christian Education in 1967. She would go on to serve on the Board of Elders and as an Elder Trustee. In 1976, in celebration of America’s Bicentennial, she served on the Greater Bakersfield Ministerial Association committee as chairman of Community Enlistment, in cooperation with the High Flight Foundation founded by Col. James Irwin, Apollo 15 astronaut. The event, “From Outer Space to Inner Space”, was a resounding success for the community with widespread participation and support from religious, civic, service and fraternal organizations in Bakersfield.

Fraternally, she was the 1968 Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 125, presiding during the chapter's 75th Diamond Jubilee celebration. She was also a dedicated member and officer of the P.E.O. Chapter QX, a national philanthropic organization.

Following her decades of volunteer service, Maggie embarked on a remarkable entrepreneurial chapter. She joined the Brides House initially as a sales and shop manager, a role that soon blossomed into her defining professional legacy. From the 1980s through the 2000s, Maggie was the beloved owner and manager of the Brides House, a full service bridal shop, cementing its reputation as a cherished staple for generations of families in Bakersfield.

Her lifetime of unassuming service and professional dedication was widely celebrated. She was honored as the community "Mother-of-the-Year" and received the prestigious Berniece Harrel Chipman "Woman of the Year" Award in 1976, followed by the Volunteer Activist Award in 1979. Her legacy was further recognized by her inclusion in "Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans" (1973-1974) and "Who's Who in California" (1981-1982). Maggie broadened the horizons of living for everyone in her community, leaving behind a masterpiece of a life well-lived.

She leaves behind a loving family spanning four generations: her son, James King, and his wife Constance; her daughter, Deborah King, and her husband, Brad Duelks; her grandchildren, Megan Craig and her husband, Matthew Eilers; Allegra King; Allicia King and her husband, Joshua Smith; and Andrew King; and her great-granddaughter, Mabel King Smith.

She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Daisy Dee Howard, Ruby Griffin, and Hazel Jahr; her nieces, Vicki Lockwood, Renee Van Diest, and Tamara Smith; and her nephews, Don Van Diest and Ron Van Diest. Her family was a source of great joy throughout her long and remarkable life, and her love and memory will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

A graveside service celebrating her life will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield on Friday, September 25, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra in her memory.