Zula Irene King

Zula Irene “Granny” or “Sill” Whiteside Smith King, age 100, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, in Horn Lake, Mississippi. Born on November 24, 1924, in Blue Springs, Mississippi, she lived a century marked by devotion to her family, faith, and community.

Zula was the daughter of Leonard Nelson Whiteside and Ora Irene Hall Whiteside. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, James E. Smith and Ralph King; four brothers—William Caswel (W.C.) Whiteside, Marion Guy Whiteside, Sammie Nelson (Doc) Whiteside, and Paul Lowery Whiteside—and one sister, Ruby Inez Whiteside McAllister.

A gifted seamstress with a talent for upholstery, Zula operated her own business for many years. Her hands were rarely still—whether stitching fabric or serving others. She was known for her energy and joy for life, especially when dancing at the Lewis Center where she remained active for many years.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Zula dedicated countless hours to service at the Worldwide Church of God from the 1950s through 2000 and later became a devoted member of Grace Bible Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Her commitment to God and her community endured until dementia and Alzheimer’s gradually took their toll.

Zula was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She is survived by her three children: Harold Leonard Smith (wife Jane), Robert Steven Smith, and Connie Lynette Lambert (husband David). Her legacy continues through two grandchildren: Steven Franklin Smith (wife Heather) and Tina Lynn Shourd (husband Cecil); five great-grandchildren: Robert Clark, Dalton Shourd (Marilu), Zachary Smith (Perry), Clayton Shourd (Hailey), and Cody Smith (Sarah); and six great-great-grandchildren.

Zula’s life was one of enduring love and unwavering faith. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and inspiration to all who hear her story.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation at Brantley Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 5-7 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 23, 2025, also at Brantley Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Hickory Flat, MS.