King told sister: I am going

King,74, suffered a heart attack while at the facility. She was pronounced dead at the Chaguanas Health Facility. Only days earlier, King bade farewell to her husband Melville King, who died at the age of 70. Melville died on October 21 and was laid to rest on Friday last, following a funeral service at the Our Lady Of Mount Carmel RC Church in St Mary’s.

King, a mother of three, was admitted to the facility after her home at Enterprise Street, Chaguanas was destroyed by fire last November. The actress who suffered with asthma had also had been hospitalised in November 2015.

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, a close relative recalled that days before her death, King was visited by one of her sisters. During the visit, the relative said, King held on to her sister’s hand and whispered the words, “I am going,”.

“It was a really sad moment, no one wanted to believe it, but King knew she was going,” the distraught relative said. On Sunday, the relative said family members and officials from the church King attended also visited at the home for the aged.

“Her (King’s) mood was different, she was calm and seemed a little depressed, but we still did not know that would have been the last time we were going to see her alive,” the relative said.

In her teenage years, King joined, as an actress, the Strolling Players theatre company led by playwright Freddie Kissoon who died in August at the age of 86. She was known for her role in the television series Beulah Darling, Calabash Alley and numerous advertisements with now deceased veteran actor, Errol “Stork” St Hill for products such as Nisa Corned Beef, evaporated and powdered milk, sardines with the parrot saying, “Come to borrow”, Scotia Bank and National Lottery. She was also featured in the Newsday commercial buying the paper for only $1 when the other two dailies were being sold for $1.50.

King would not only be remembered for her smile and her ability to make others laugh, but also for her melodious voice which captured the hearts of many during mass at the St Augustine RC church on Sundays. She would often lead the choir in song. Close friend, Joyce Ali, who would often attend service with King, said the actress was always active in church as a catechist, member of Catholic Youth Organisation (CYO) and more.

“She assisted with fundraising events and more. She has been doing it all and always with a smile,” Ali said.

King would be laid to rest at the Longdenville Cemetery following a funeral service at the Chaguanas Roman Catholic Church tomorrow.