Booneville - Verna Mary King, née Prosper, passed away on September 8, 2026, at the age of 69. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and nurse, she leaves a legacy of faith, generosity, compassion, and love.

Born in St. Joseph, Dominica, on January 27, 1957, to Hilda and Gipson Prosper, Verna spent her childhood in Dominica and St. Thomas. She accepted Christ at seventeen and became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her relationship with God remained the foundation of her life.

In June 1977, Verna moved to Toronto, Canada. She married Bedminster John King on January 20, 1980, and together they welcomed two sons, Craig and Steven. In 1993, she moved with her boys to Huntsville, Alabama, where John joined them in 1995. While working and raising her family, she pursued her nursing degree at Oakwood College, graduating with the Class of 1997. For nearly forty years, Verna devoted her working life to caring for others. Her nursing career took her from Toronto to Alabama and California, encompassing hospice, home health, surgical nursing, and other specialties. Patients and colleagues remembered her warmth, compassion, and willingness to give more than was asked.

That same generosity filled her life outside work. She sent barrels of food, clothing, and necessities to family in Dominica, welcomed people into her home, fostered children, and quietly shared whatever she had with those in need. Even when her own resources were limited, she found ways to give.

Verna loved prayer, Bible study, singing, and time with her family. Together, she and John established the “Go, Ye” ministry, distributing more than 3,000 copies of The Great Controversy and helping nearly 200 people explore Bible prophecy through correspondence studies and personal visits.

Throughout her years with cancer, Verna drew strength from her faith in God, the love of her family, and the prayers of dear friends. In her final months, she was surrounded by the devoted care of her husband, family, and a hospice team who became part of the family. The nurse who had comforted others at the end of life received that same tenderness in return.

She is survived by her husband, Bedminster John King; her sons, Craig Leroy King and Steven Samuel King; stepdaughter, Nadia Jacinta Charles-King; grandchildren, Josiah Mishael King, Myla Abigail King, and Cameron Gabriel King; sister, Theresa Chambers; niece, Dawnette Krishaunda Chambers; and many other cherished relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilda and Gipson Prosper; brother, Vincent Prosper; and nephew, Xavier Calvin Chambers.

Verna will be remembered for her radiant smile, generous heart, and steadfast trust in God. Her love lives on in her family and in the countless lives she touched.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Pastor Christopher Atkinson officiating.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at www.PeguesFuneralDirectors.com.