Esmeralda V. King

Esmeralda was born on 01/26/1938 to parents Nicholas and Felicitas Vargas in Kerrville, TX. She was the oldest of 9 children. At 20 years of age, Esmeralda married her first husband and had 4 sons William, Ernest, Albert, and Daniel Leija. She went on to marry Donald Keith King on 02/25/1978 in San Antonio, TX and soon welcomed her only daughter, Jennifer Elena King. Esmeralda loved traveling and got to explore the world while living overseas when Donald was on military duty. Our beloved mother was an extraordinary homemaker, taking pride in having a pristine home and preparing home-cooked meals every night for her family as well as baking her husband’s favorite pastries and desserts almost daily.

Esmeralda was a naturally gifted caregiver and worked as a CNA for several years with Girling Healthcare and private duty clients as well as a pharmacy technician at Kroger’s pharmacy prior to retiring. Esmeralda cared for her husband at the end of his life and poured her heart and soul into making sure he was well cared for until his passing.

Esmeralda was welcomed to her eternal home by her husband Donald K. King, son Albert Leija, granddaughter Lauren B. Leija, brothers Mario and Virgilio Vargas, and parents Nicholas and Felicitas Vargas.

She is survived by her children Jennifer King- Hughes (Patrick), William Leija (Sandra), Ernest Leija, and Daniel Leija. Esmeralda also leaves behind numerous grandchildren: Dana Telfer, Gina Sebastian, Taylor Leija, Daniel John Leija, Sophia Leija, Hannah Leija, Zachary Leija, Evan Hughes, Julia Hughes, and Jocelyn Hughes. Esmeralda is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren: Cameron Leija, Theo Sebastian, Ava Sebastian, and Daniel Sebastian.

With the utmost gratitude, the family wishes to thank Dr. Jocelyn V. Zarate for her extraordinary medical care throughout the years. The family also would like to extend their profound appreciation to her long-time caregiver Mrs. Jeannette Garza. Mrs. Garza provided exceptional love and care to our mother for many years and in her final days; always attentive to mom’s every need. In mom’s early years of her illness, she was cared for by family friend Ms. Virginia Bretado. We thank Ms. Bretado immensely for the loving nursing care she provided. Lastly, the family wishes to thank Amedisys Hospice for the compassionate end-of-life care and support during this difficult time.