Gerry King

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Gerry Nell (Adams) King who peacefully left us on Sat Aug 17, 2024, at the age of 80. Gerry was born on Feb 13, 1944, in Searcy AR to Carl and Mary (Keller) Adams. She lived a life marked by love, kindness and a sense of adventure. Gerry graduated from Washington High School in 1962. She remained quite involved with her school friends and the ensuing reunions. Gerry grew up in Kansas City KS, where she met the love of her life, Roy W. King, Jr. They married on July 26, 1963. Gerry’s first job as a young teen was helping the family friend and “beauty operator”, Doris, in her shop. Even as Alzheimer’s progressed, Gerry continued to love a good salon and would relish getting her hair and nails done. Over the years she worked for SW Bell, Montgomery Ward and GE Capital as a debt skip tracer, as well as Sprint, at the Overland Park campus. After retiring from Sprint, she continued to work helping Roy with his designs and daily operations. Roy and Gerry had two children, Sherry Denae (1966) and Stephen Charles (1968). Gerry relished her job as homemaker and mother and quite literally “did it all” while continuing to work outside the home. She would frequently be heard exclaiming (with her hand up to her forehead), “there are just not enough hours in my day!”. Both Roy and Gerry had an eye for design and décor and created beautiful homes together wherever they resided. In her infinite wisdom, Gerry realized that to get Roy away from work at the drawing board, she needed to get him out of town. Roy and Gerry delighted in domestic and world travel with many friends and family members. They loved antique cars and were active members of the Vintage Chevrolet Car Club and the Golden Oldies of America. In mid to later life, they relished time with their two grandsons, Jacob and Joel, playing, exploring nature, travelling and attending extracurricular activities. “Momma and Bubba” loved making fun memories with the boys. Gerry lived a charmed life, often referring to herself as a “Polly Anna”. The Webster definition, “a person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything”, seems to describe her perfectly. She chose to have a joyful outlook on her day-to-day life. However, this charmed life was not without its undue share of loss and tragedy. Gerry lost her brother Dale at the age of 19 as well as her son Steve at the age of 23, both in tragic, unexpected accidents. She watched and supported her own mother as she struggled with ALS. Then, around the age of 70, Gerry received the devastating dx of Alzheimer’s. She faced it with all the expected emotions, anger, loss, a clenched jaw (for the duration), but that “Polly Anna” attitude still shined through, and she continued to find joy in the pleasures of her grandchildren, convertible rides, dancing, the sun on her face as well as the taste of Jonas’ cooking. Gerry left behind a heck of a lot of stuff to Sherry and Jonas who now have no idea what to do with it. So, if you’re looking for an armoire, thousands of family and travel photos, antique dishes, or even a 2nd or 3rd armoire, feel free to reach out as soon as possible. Gerry is preceded in death by her brother, Dale Adams, her son, Stephen King, her parents, Carl and Mary Adams, her husband, Roy King and a sister, Donna Morrison. Gerry is survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy King; daughter, Sherry Goering (Jonas); grandsons, Jacob Goering (Taylor Johnson Goering) and Joel Goering. Jacob and Taylor are expecting Gerry’s first great-grandchild, baby girl Goering, in Dec 2024. A celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Friday Aug 30th, at Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 W 75th St. OP, KS 66204. There will be time to follow at the church to share any fun or meaningful Gerry stories. Gerry's celebration of life will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@OPCCDOC/streams In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Gerry’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com Gerry’s family gives extra thanks to the staff at Rolling Hills Assisted Living in Topeka, not only did they provide excellent personal care for Gerry, but they also loved and doted on her as if she was their own family.

Gerry King

February 13, 1944 - August 17, 2024