Mary Ruth King was born on April 13, 1931, in McBee, South Carolina, to the late Tom Yarborough and Rosea Jowers Yarborough. Affectionately known as “Pete” by her family and childhood friends, she was the third of fifteen children, growing up in a large, loving family where faith, strong values, and togetherness were at the center of everyday life.

Mary completed her education in McBee, South Carolina. She often shared fond memories of her childhood and the close bond she had with her family. One of her favorite stories was about her young romance with Ervie Lee King. She would smile as she remembered how Ervie would secretly send her love letters while they were courting. Their love continued to blossom, and while still a young woman, the two eloped and were united in marriage, beginning a beautiful journey that would span more than seven decades.

Faith was the cornerstone of Mary’s life. She believed in the power of prayer, trusted God’s plan, and lived each day with quiet strength and compassion.

While living in Brooklyn, New York, Mary was baptized at Kings County Hospital on January 13, 1966, with her baptismal rites later completed at St. John Baptist Church.

Mary’s lifelong faith in God guided her through every season of life. It was evident in the love she gave, the compassion she showed, and the legacy she leaves behind. Her life was a testament to grace, humility, and a heart devoted to serving God and those around her.

On November 7, 1948, Mary Ruth Yarborough and Ervie Lee King were united in holy matrimony in Bishopville, South Carolina. Together they built a home rooted in faith, love, and family. Their marriage spanned more than 70 years, serving as a beautiful example of commitment, partnership, and enduring love.

Together they raised their family, celebrated the blessings of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and created countless memories that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew them.

In 2019, Mary experienced the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband after more than 70 years of marriage. Although she deeply missed him, she continued to live with grace, strength, and faith while cherishing the memories they had created together.

Mary believed in the value of hard work and devoted herself to providing for her family throughout her life.

After moving to Brooklyn, New York, she worked in a soup kitchen, where she faithfully served others with compassion and dedication.

She also worked with the New York City Housing Authority, where her commitment and hard work were recognized. Although the family is still gathering details about her position, the recognition she received reflected the pride she took in serving her community and helping others.

Whether at work or at home, Mary carried herself with grace, determination, and a servant’s heart. She believed in treating others with kindness, lending a helping hand, and leaving every place better than she found it.

Mary Ruth King will be remembered for her gentle spirit, warm smile, and the love she poured into her family. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and had a special way of making everyone feel welcome.

She was well known for baking her delicious three-layer chocolate cakes, a family favorite that brought loved ones together around the table. She was also admired for her long, beautiful hair, which she often wore in two neat braids—a signature look that family and friends will always remember.

Mary had a wonderful sense of humor and a saying that those closest to her will never forget: “I paid the cost to be the boss.” It always brought smiles and laughter and reflected her confidence, strength, and the loving way she kept her household in order.

She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether she was sharing stories, offering wisdom, or simply enjoying time with those she loved, Mary made everyone feel like family.

Her kindness, strength, faith, and unconditional love created a legacy that will live on for generations.

Mary’s greatest accomplishment was the family she helped build and the values she passed down through generations. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, resilience, compassion, and strength that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and everyone blessed to know her.

Her life reminds us that true greatness is measured not by wealth or recognition, but by the love we give, the lives we touch, and the faith we share.

After a life richly blessed with faith, family, and love, Mary Ruth “Pete” King peacefully entered eternal rest on July 7, 2026.

Though her family mourns her passing, they rejoice in knowing she is now reunited with the love of her life, Ervie Lee King, after being apart since his passing in 2019. Their love story, which began as two young sweethearts in South Carolina, now continues forever in the presence of the Lord.

Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she loved and those who loved her. While she may no longer walk beside us, the lessons she taught, the prayers she prayed, and the love she shared will continue to guide her family for generations to come.

Mary Ruth King leaves to cherish her loving memories her devoted children, Donicia King of New York, Vincent (Sherika) King of North Carolina, and Love King of San Diego, California.

She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Jimmy King Jr., Shannel Kitchens, Adam Temple, Serenity King, Amaris King, Shamya King, and Elijah King; her beloved great-grandchildren; her loving sister, Evelyn Miller; her loving brother, Dyvone Jowers; along with a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, neighbors, and all who knew and loved her.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ervie Lee King; her children, James King and Sybrinia King; her parents, Tom Yarborough and Rosea Jowers Yarborough; her brothers, George Yarborough, Love Yarborough, James “J.B.” Yarborough, Tommy Yarborough, Jessie Yarborough, and Idell Yarborough; and her sisters, Betty J. Bryant, Grace Allen, Thelma Wells, Josette Clay, Jessie Harrell, and Clara Burch, along with many other loved ones who welcomed her into eternal rest.

The Homegoing Services will be on Monday, July 13, 2026, 2:00pm, in the Chapel of Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

Interment will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Pageland, South Carolina.

The public viewing and family visitation will be on Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 3:30-5:30pm at Smith's Funeral Home, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.