A celebration of life for Mr. Vernon Ellsworth King will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 10:30 AM in the Greater Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church (1230 Claudia Spencer St., Jacksonville, FL 32206).  The repast will be held immediately following the service.  Interment-- Jacksonville National Cemetery (4083 Lannie Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32218) at 2:30 PM.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Rosa Glover Holmes Memorial Chapel (4334 Brentwood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32206).  Omega Memorial service will be held starting at 6:00 PM.

Vernon Ellsworth King, age 92, was born June 25, 1931, in Tulsa Oklahoma.  He was the youngest of seven siblings born to Rev. R.A. King and Cora B. King.  He received his education at Old Stanton High School, studied at EWU, joined the Army and later continued his education at Allen University in South Carolina.  It was there he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Vernon worked as a postman in California before relocating to Jacksonville.  He was a devoted member of Greater Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church where his father was pastor for many years.  Later, Vernon worked for Duval County Public Shcools for many years.  He taught at Northwestern (Junior High) Middle, Douglas Anderson and ended his career at Ribault (Junior) Middle.  He was involved in many activities, clubs and loved to play cards, football and dancing.

His tremendous sense of humor was infectious.  He had a wonderful personality and a positive attitude to the very end.  He loved everyone he met, and no one was ever a stranger.

He leaves to mourn his passing, a loving and caring wife, Altamease King, sons, Raymond A. King (Dana), Marquis A. King (LaToshia), Stepdaughters, Gail Watson (Carlton, Sr.), Sylvia Moore and Theresa Spencer, stepson, Tristan Laws (Rebecca), an aunt, Maria Smith, a host of grandchildren and step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law,  God-children, nieces, nephews, special friends, relatives and many loving and close friends.