Jewel Spence King

Jewel Spence King, a resident of Emporia, Virginia, departed this world to be with her Lord and Savior on December 27, 2023, at the age of 80.  Jewel was preceded in death by Matt Franklin Spence, her father, and Nellie Mae Harris Spence, her mother. 

Jewel is survived by Lester Reamy King, Sr., her husband of 60 years, and Jack, her beloved Labrador Retriever.  

Also surviving Jewel are her four children: Lester Reamy King, Jr. (Rebecca Cohagan), Joseph Anthony (Andy) King, Jeffrey Lynn King (Katie), and Jennifer Stapleton (Jamie).  Seven grandchildren also survive Jewel: Joshua T. Parker (Rebecca), Victoria L. King, Matthew R. King (McKenzie), Julia K. Stapleton, Jennifer N. Stapleton, Jill A. Stapleton, and Isabelle B. King.  She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Shane, Wyatt, Madelyn, and Levi.  Finally, Jewel’s three siblings also survive her: Joyce Spence Copeland, Shelby Franklin Spence, and Melvin Joe Spence.  

Jewel was born in a farmhouse near Boykins, Virginia.  As a child, she enjoyed simple things, like playing paper dolls with her sister, Joyce, and spending time with a bulldog named Lady.  She graduated from Southampton County High School.  She then attended nursing school at Johnston-Willis hospital where she graduated and became a registered nurse.

Jewel enjoyed a lifelong career as a nurse, working at numerous hospitals in different capacities and was CPR certified.  Jewel especially enjoyed helping women prepare for childbirth as a certified Lamaze instructor and assisting in OB-GYN matters.  Over the course of her career, Jewel touched the lives of countless mothers and newborn babies.      

Jewel and her husband, Lester, met on a blind date.  After a courtship that lasted several years, Jewel and Lester married in September of 1964.  As a mother of four and a practicing nurse, Jewel had her hands full.  But she always found time to be available for her kids – and later her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Nothing could keep Jewel from seeing her family.  

Above all else, Jewel’s faith was the most important part of her life.  She lived her Christian beliefs – ever humble, grateful, and faithful.  She did not boast about her service to the church or her practices of faith.  Still, everyone who knew Jewel recognized that she was truly a godly woman:strong, dignified, giving, and compassionate.

Jewel’s cooking was legendary.  She could make the simplest dish taste extraordinary – a talent that always baffled those fortunate enough to eat at her table.  Her homemade rolls were scrumptious, and her banana pudding tasted like a bit of heaven on earth.  

Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the E. Alvin Small Funeral Home, located at 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.  The Funeral Service will immediately follow the Visitation at the same location at 11:00 a.m. A Graveside Service will be held that afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Grace Anglican Church, 9986 Purdy Road / SR 619, Purdy, VA 23867. A light reception will follow the Graveside Service.

In lieu of memorial gifts, please consider contributing to the Bible Broadcasting Network or to your local house of worship.