Biography

Barbara Anna Miles King was born on April 14, 1924 in Harlem, NYC. She was the second of four children born to Rebecca and Robert Miles. Barbara’s mother emigrated from Trinidad & Tobago. Although, Barbara was born and raised in America her upbringing instilled in her a strong West Indian influence.

Barbara was baptized Roman Catholic at SS Peter and Paul Church in 1925. A devout Christian and a practicing Catholic, Barbara successfully accomplished her Holy Communion and Confirmation during her youth. A child during the Great Depression, her austere upbringing taught her lifelong lessons in prudent and practical living. She shunned the wasteful and the ostentatious. One of her favorite sayings was “Charity begins at Home”. A promising student, Barbara excelled in her studies at Wadley High School. Barbara was very intelligent and multi-talented. She played piano and saxophone for her high school band. Later in life she often accompanied family sing-a-longs, where she passed on her love of music to the rest of the family.

In her late teens she met the dapper Fred King. They fell in love and married following a whirlwind romance. Fred went off to fight in WWII shortly thereafter. Barbara proudly referred to herself as a “war bride.” Fred was wholly committed to his wife and spoiled her every chance he got. He thus dubbed her with the pet name “Madame Queen.” Barbara and Fred’s contribution to the Baby Boomer generation produced six children from 1943 to 1961; Lillian, Frederick, William, Rudolph, and Theresa who have preceded her in passing, and one living daughter Irene Cummings.

When Fred returned from the War, the King Family bought a comfortable home in Brooklyn, and went about the important task of raising their family. The family moved to Laurelton, Queens in 1965. Barbara was a dutiful wife, parent, and homemaker. She was very active with the Boy Scouts and even served as Den Mother for her sons’ troops. She was an excellent cook, and a master entertainer, throwing great parties, barbeques, and affairs.

Barbara was known as a little lady with a very big voice. She was never one to hold her tongue. Every adult member of her family knew that any major mistake would be discussed at the upcoming family function in a striking and theatrical fashion. In addition, children knew to walk on their tiptoes in her presence and stay clear from anything shiny or fragile. Once the words “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph” uttered from her voice, everything stopped and every person within one hundred feet vanished as no one was made to withstand the barrage of discipline from Barbara King.

Anyone close to Barbara knew that she had a complex and multi-faceted personality. In addition to “speaking the truth”, and being a disciplinarian she would do anything in her power to help. She has helped many through tough times and supported her family both directly and indirectly.

Barbara felt the calling to teach. As such she attended Hunter College, where she attained her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965 and Master of Arts Degree in 1969. Barbara became a Junior High School History Teacher for the New York City Public School System during the early sixties. She worked as a Teacher until her retirement in 1991. Barbara maintained a sharp acumen to her last days. She was adept at using the computer, Internet, and cell phone.

Barbara was a member of NAACP and numerous other Organizations whose goals focused upon ensuring equal rights in America. In 1963, she and her husband Fred Marched on Washington with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in support of civil and economic rights for African-Americans. While there they listened intently to Dr. King deliver the famed I Have a Dream speech.

Barbara lost her soul mate, Fred, in 1988. She survived a succession of family tragedies during the next few years. Barbara was the quintessential survivor and remained independent to the end. She purchased a new home in Bayswater, Queens near her eldest daughter’s family and settled there until her passing. Barbara was a strong Matriarch that served as a positive role model to her students, her family, and served as mentor for numerous others. She left this world quietly on July 25, 2010.

Barbara is survived by her beloved daughter Irene (Orville), beloved sister Jeanette; sister-in-law Eleanor, son-in-law Emmett, three beloved granddaughters Adrienne (Wesley), Jennifer (Willard), Verna (John), grandson Anthony, step-grandson Emmett (Rosemarie); eight great-grandchildren Derek (Alicia), Denzel, Dalton, DeSean, Devon, Khaliyah, DeAndre, and Jaylen; one great-great grandchild Leon; nephew William, Jr., companion Jasper (dog); and a host of relatives, and friends.

Protestant

Friday July 30, 2010, 10:00AM - 11:00AM at R. Steven LeGall Home For Funerals LLC
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The viewing will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 4-8PM at the funeral home. Interment will take place on Friday, July 30, 2010 at Calverton National Cemetery, Riverhead, NY.