Gloria Lee King

Gloria Lee King, age 65, passed away from respiratory failure Thursday, October 2, 2014 in Lakeland. Born April 9, 1949 in Seale, AL, she was the daughter of the late Julian Owen and Vera Lee (Simmons) Watkins and moved to Bartow at an early age. A loving wife, Gloria was devoted to her husband and children and grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as "Memaw." Gloria was a registered nurse in the healthcare industry for many years, and was known for her exceptional care and generosity to coworkers, patients, and their families. She is survived by a loving family that includes her husband of 47 years Billy N. King of Lakeland, her children: Kevin King (Jeannie) of Bartow, Juliann Hibbard (Jason) of Lakeland, her siblings: Martha Woodham of Dothan, AL, William O. Watkins of Birmingham, AL, Julian Michael Watkins of Wilson, NC, Rev. Gene Watkins, missionary to Belize, and her three grandchildren: Seth, Sarah, and Ava. The family will receive friends Monday, October 6, 2014 from 10 AM to 11 AM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM.