Dr. Paula King

Dr. Paula Raye King, 65, of Cape Girardeau died peacefully on Monday, March 28, 2011, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born Paula Raye Smith on April 18, 1945, at Neosho, Mo., to David and Marjorie Trefftzs Smith. Throughout her life she had a passion for education and the arts, combined with a love of people and animals.

She earned a bachelor of science and master's degree in home economics from Southern Illinois University in 1968. She taught at Missouri State University for a number of years. On Nov. 28, 1980, she married Harry J. King in Jackson, Wyo., living in numerous states for the next decade.

In 1992 she earned her Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University. She continued her career in higher education, teaching at Southeast Missouri State University. Within two years she became the chairperson of the Health and Human Services Department, a position she held since that time.

Throughout her life Dr. King was awarded numerous honors for her work in home economics. She was a master seamstress, excelled in the culinary arts and participated in the university choir. She enjoyed reading, shopping, traveling, visiting with friends and family, spending time with her beloved pets and working with her students.

She will be remembered for her passion for education, her dedication to her students and family, and the love she had for her parents, her husband, her sisters and their families.

She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Harry J. King and his family; her parents, David and Marjorie Smith of Arkansas; her sister, Jan Ward and her family; and her sister, Kerry Smith and her family. She will be missed.

A scholarship has been established in Dr. King's honor at Southeast Missouri State University. Donations are being accepted at the foundation at SEMO in the name of Paula King. Her legacy will continue.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.