Dr. Sheila Benese King, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, dedicated education practitioner, and cancer survivor, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS. Born to Charlene King on July 23, 1969, and Bruce Leon Johnson, Esq. who preceded her in death. Sheila was a beacon of strength and inspiration throughout her life.
Sheila began her journey of life and education at Threadgill Elementary School, where she actively participated in basketball. After middle school, she continued at Greenwood High School, graduating in 1987. Following her high school graduation, she matriculated at Tougaloo College. During her collegiate years at Tougaloo, she became a member of the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and participated in various community service projects. Sheila graduated from Tougaloo College in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Accounting.
In 1992, Sheila began working for the Department of Human Services, where she held numerous positions, including Accounting Clerk, Fiscal Officer I and II, and Eligibility Worker. After nine years of service, she sought a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree from Mississippi Valley State University. Upon completing the master’s program, Sheila began teaching in the Holmes County School District. During her time there, she made several noteworthy accomplishments, including achieving the highest math scores in the district and receiving numerous certificates and awards.
A lifelong learner, Sheila continued her education by attending Jackson State University in 2007, where she earned an Ed. S. in Education and Administration. In 2020, she earned her Ph.D. from the College of Education at Mississippi State University. Her dedication to education and her love for teaching underprivileged children marked her career as an impactful and compassionate educator she continued to teach at Lanier High School in the Jackson Public School District.
In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Sheila’s warmth, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of many. A devoted mother, Sheila cherished her son, MarQuadrian, nurturing him with unwavering love and support. Her role as a mother was one of her greatest joys, and she extended this boundless affection to her grandchildren, Serenity and MarQuadrian, Jr. (MJ) who brought immense happiness to her life.
Sheila is survived by her beloved mother, Charlene, her devoted son, MarQuadrian, her cherished grandchildren, and a host of extended family and friends who will forever remember her for the profound impact she had on their lives.
A celebration of Sheila’s life will be held at Great Southern Funeral Home, Greenwood, MS on Saturday, June 29, at 2:00 p.m.
Sheila King’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of strength, love, and dedication to learning will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.
