Alice Marcella King

She joins her parents, Reese and Ladell Carothers-Bowen and her beloved husband, Ernest A. King. Alice is predeceased by her two brothers: Winfred and Alfred. She is survived by: Her son Raymond, granddaughter Melissa, great-granddaughter Francine; daughters Lovena and Judy, grandson Roy, great-grandsons James and Pierce, her sisters: Christella, Joyce, Myrna, Yvonne, numerous nieces, nephews and many long-standing close family and friends left to cherish her memory. She was 94.

Affectionately known as Marcie, she was born in Amber Valley, a small black farming community in Northern Alberta. Marcie left home as a teenager eager to have new experiences and to find work to help support her family. Her adventure led her to move to Edmonton, Alberta.

In 1948, while working at a restaurant called “The Harlem Chicken Inn”, Marcie met a handsome young band leader named Ernest Alvin King. “Ernie” swept her off her feet. They fell deeply in love and were married three months later in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Not long after their marriage, they journeyed West and settled in Vancouver, B.C., where Marcie’s life and career ignited and flourished. A natural beauty, she began modelling and started several business ventures with her husband. Marcie and Ernie opened a dry-cleaning business, a trucking company and a night club called “The Harlem Nocturne.” The club was a very popular hot spot in downtown Vancouver for many years.

Marcie was talented, diverse, always on the move and worked seamlessly behind the scenes. She not only successfully managed many aspects of the nightclub but proved to be a gifted dancer. On stage, she was known as “Choo Choo Williams”, where she shined in the floor shows while Ernie’s band played. Marcie and Ernie truly loved each other and had an exciting 55 years together until his passing in 2004.

In 2005, Marcie started a new chapter. She shared many memorable years with her dear friend and companion Joe Punko, until his passing in 2018.

Marcie loved music, especially Country, Gospel, and R & B. She adored young children, took pleasure in playing her guitar, was an avid gardener and a fantastic cook. She also enjoyed knitting and made many a quilt. She was passionate about her Western movies and TV shows, or as she called them with a twinkle in her eye…Her “shoot ‘em ups.” Marcie also delighted in sailing all over the world when she traveled with her daughter Lovena, who is a headline singer on cruise ships.

Blessed with a joyous spirit and a great sense of humour, she was insightful, kind, and generous of heart. Marcie radiated love and laughter and was known for her warm hugs and beautiful smile.

In 2017, Marcie developed dementia. Despite this challenging diagnosis…Marcie never stopped dancing. She was full of light and energy and was always the life of the party especially when she danced. It was amazing to witness such joy and passion and incredibly infectious. Those around her couldn’t help but want to join in the fun. Wonderful and inspirational, Marcie was well loved by many.

The memory of Alice Marcella King will forever live on in our hearts. May she rest In peace, knowing that she leaves a legacy of love, laughter and cherished moments.

Shine on Marcie.

You will be missed,

always loved and never forgotten…

Godspeed.

Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 6th, 2 pm.

At “The Cultch” (Vancouver East Cultural Centre), In the Culture Lab Theatre

1895 Venables Street Vancouver, BC Canada

Friends and family are invited to join in remembering a long life well-lived.

Lovena Fox tribute to her mother Alice Marcella King

https://youtu.be/K_QSzn27J2Q

Alice Marcella King “In her own Words”

https://youtu.be/BIl06Tr19d0

Alice Marcella King 2007 interview for “Black Pioneers of Alberta”

https://youtu.be/JmF_aXWCsUI