Vera Lucille Thomas King

Vera Lucille Thomas King passed away peacefully on April 15, 2019, in Bloomington, Indiana, at the age of 85, after a brief illness. Much loved by her family and friends, she was a devoted mother known for her sense of humor and hearty laugh. Lucille loved animals and enjoyed reading, playing cards, gardening and bowling, and was a huge fan of Christmas and fresh flowers. She enjoyed banana sandwiches with peanut butter and mayonnaise, to the delight of some and the consternation of many. Most of all, Lucille loved sharing stories and meals with family and friends, and always showed up when someone needed her, more than once staying with a friend who needed comfort in their last days.

Lucille was born on September 18th, 1933 in Rutherfordton, NC. The only girl among four brothers, she lived with the nickname ‘sis’ all her life. She married Ira Nelson King, Sr on December 28th, 1953 in Norfolk, VA, and joined AT&T in 1956 first as an operator, before moving up through the ranks to management. Lucille and Ira had one son, David, born in 1967, whom they loved very much. After retiring from AT&T in 1988, she lived in Chesapeake, VA for nearly 20 years. She often volunteered for neighborhood events and the Telephone Pioneers of America, sometimes serving in leadership positions. After many happy years there among friends, Lucille moved to Bloomington in 2007 to be closer to her son, where they enjoyed weekly visits throughout her final years. Her South Carolinian nieces Jeanette and Melinda were frequent guests and a constant joy throughout her life. Lucille was well loved, and will be missed by everyone who knew her well.