Julia King

Julia Ann King, 86, passed away in Fort Smith, Sunday, June 15, 2025. She was born July 30, 1938 in Dyer, AR. She began working at a very early age; learning to tend the garden, milk the cow and began cooking when she was 4 years old. Julia was barely school age and was expected to take on adult responsibilities to help her mother support the family. She spent her childhood picking strawberries, peaches and any other produce to bring in a wage. Often picking cotton with her brother Marion in tow, sleeping on her cotton sack.

Julia moved to Fort Smith when she was 11 years old. She went from attending a one room schoolhouse in Dyer, to an enormous junior high, Darby. Each morning, she would do one load of laundry with an old wringer washer, prepare breakfast, help dress her brother and catch the school bus. While in junior high, she began working after school at Homer and Martha's, a small mom and pop burger joint across from Darby. She attended and graduated from Northside High School. At the close of the school day, she would walk to work at Frostee Confections near Rogers Avenue and Waldron Road.

At the age of 18, Julia married the love of her life, George, and in 1968 they opened their own business. "With two babies and $600," together they opened George King Body & Frame Repair. In addition to bookkeeping and managing the office, she helped repair vehicles. Having no other employees at the time, it became necessary to help with frame straightening, lugging around and pulling on heavy chains and jacks. After vehicles were prepped, she would wet sand till her hands bled. Anything she could help with she did, all while keeping their two young curious daughters entertained and safe. No doubt, if not for her, their business would not have survived.

She labored tirelessly caring for her home and family, especially her husband whose health had failed. She was known by all to be a soft-spoken, compassionate, and gentle lady; always willing to help others. Her family will always remember her as a humble, selfless angel, who cared for and loved her family, friends and God.

Julia is survived by her daughters Terri Durbin and husband Bobby of Fort Smith and Vicki Andert and Husband Tim of Aurora, MO; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service directed by Edwards Funeral Home will be on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Roselawn Cemetery.