A native of Albany, Georgia, Makeba was the only daughter of parents Paul and Amaya (Portland) King. Baptized at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church there, she attended parochial school and was an exceptional student. She also excelled as a dancer, training at the Murphy Dance Studios in Albany. After graduating from Monroe High School, Makeba studied at Clark Atlanta University, and later at Paul Mitchell® ESANI Institute, becoming a professional esthetician with Ulta Beauty Salons, where she began working in 2013.
Makeba found her greatest love in motherhood, and her 15-year-old daughter, Cora Jones. A testament to her maternal devotion came weeks before her death. Despite Makeba’s fragile state and failing health, she mustered the strength to fly with Cora to New York City for a four-day girls’ trip, fulfilling a promise made. “Cora was her world,” as one friend described Makeba. “Every fiber in her was to breathe, sleep and love Cora.”
“Throughout the many obstacles she faced, she always managed to find the silver lining and remained positive," said another friend, noting a soft, quiet, strength. "She was a trooper.” Preceded in death by her mother Amaya Portland King, whom she adored, and paternal grandmother, Margaret Slater King for whom she is named, Makeba Margaret is survived by daughter, Cora Jones, parental partner, Corey Jones of Atlanta, step-daughter, Courtney Jones of Atlanta, father, Paul King of Atlanta, brothers, Oscar King of Los Angeles, Paul King of Jacksonville, Fla., Hector King of Atlanta, Ga. and Diego King of Jacksonville, Fla., niece, Amaya Jane, nephews, William Oliver, Langston Oliver and Gabriel King, mother-in-law Geri Ellis of Mableton and a host of extended family and friends.
Makeba’s funeral will be held Friday, November 2, 2018 at 11 a.m. at The Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, 1815 Blackwell Road, Marietta, Ga. 30066, with interment to follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery, 1306 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, Ga. 30064. The family of Makeba Margaret King appreciates the generous outpouring of sympathy during this difficult time, and asks, in lieu of flowers, that family and friends make donations in support of Makeba’s daughter, Cora Jones , at the following GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/support-for-makeba-king. Thank you for your support.
