Artelia King

Mrs. Artelia (Tooson) King was the second child of the late Rev. Pinkney and Annie Mae Tooson.

Artelia was born in Cypress, Alabama, on August 24, 1933. At the age of three, her family moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where she attended Kingston Zion City Elementary School and Hooper City High School.

After leaving Hooper City High School, Artelia moved to Newburgh, New York, in August 1952. There, she met Lincoln B. King. After one year of courtship, they were united in holy matrimony in 1953. They shared 48½ years of love and faithfulness together until “King,” as she affectionately called him, went home to be with the Lord in 2001.

Artelia began her Christian walk as a member of Zion Memorial AME Church in Birmingham, Alabama. After moving to Houston, Texas, in July 1955, she was baptized at St. Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. Calvin Scott. In 1965, she joined Blueridge Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. D. Richardson. In 1986, she joined Brentwood Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff, where she remained a faithful member until her transition.

Artelia worked for the Jones-Scott family for eleven years before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 1966. Ten years later, she returned to the workforce, joining Climax Lubricants, where she worked for 20 years and developed lifelong friendships. Until her passing, Artelia maintained close relationships with the Jones-Scott family and her former co-workers at Climax.

Artelia loved to cook. She would prepare a meal at the drop of a hat for the “Young at Heart Fellowship,” the deacons at Brentwood Baptist Church, and students from Worthing High School who would come home for lunch with one of her girls.

Artelia never met a stranger. She always opened her home to anyone who needed a place to stay, a meal, or simply a place to feel welcome. Because of her generous spirit, loving heart, and pleasant personality, she was loved by many. Her influence will remain in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Artelia departed this earthly life on Sunday, August 30, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Lincoln B. King; and six of her siblings: Hayes Joseph, Pinkie M. Brown, Ethel Fields, Wanda Allen, Pinkney Jr., and Johnny Paul.

She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters: Tamara Gail (King) Smith (Calvest), Sharon, and Patricia Gaye King; and two grandchildren, LaShanti Genee’ King and Cortney Sherrod King (Kim). Artelia has passed the torch to her sisters, Bertha Evins, Shirley Robinson, and Linda Chatman. She also leaves two sisters-in-law, Mary Guinn of California and Jeanette Tooson of Alabama, and one brother-in-law, Luther Evins of Alabama.

She leaves her Bonus Daughters, Marie Hughes and Rita King; Bonus Sons, Frederick King, Darrell Williams, Jerome West and Charlie Barnes; Bonus Grandson, Timothy McCray, Jr. (Sheena); Bonus Granddaughters, ShuRon Green-Butler (Wadie) and Tiffany Pinson (Darryl) and Arnitra Doucet( Harold) and a longtime family friend, Hawe Jones.

Artelia also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, church members, and her daughters’ friends—many of whom lovingly called her “Mother,” “Muh,” or “Momma.” She loved them all very much, and they will forever carry the love, wisdom, generosity, and memories she shared with them.

Though she has transitioned from this earthly life, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the legacy she leaves behind will live on through her family, friends, church family, and all who knew and loved her.

Her memory will forever be cherished.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park South Funeral Home, 12650 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland, TX 77584, US, on September 17, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Brentwood Baptist Church, 13033 Landmark Street, Houston, TX 77045, US, on September 18, 2026, at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, US, on September 18, 2026, at 2:00 pm.