Jean A. King
Jean A. King of Bradenton Beach died March 30.
She was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1942, and her childhood, as part of a military family, included stays in all parts of the country. However, she always felt Northern California, where she graduated from high school, was her childhood home. As an adult, whether raising two kids or later, after joining the workforce as a business manager for a neonatal medical practice, she maintained a passion for art. She began with conventional pieces made with clay but quickly taught herself to create works with a variety of materials. She eventually presented sculptures in galleries in Sante Fe and Taos, New Mexico, as well as in Colorado.
Later in life, she focused more on collecting art, interior decorating and gardening.
She enjoyed kayaking, cycling and playing in the surf and she was so energetic she earned the nickname “Hummingbird.”
After retiring and moving to the Anna Maria Island area in 1997, she formed close friendships and adopted the island lifestyle.
A celebration of life will be held at the Sandpiper Resort in Bradenton Beach on or around June 9, her birthday. Memorial donations may be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center, which can be found online at moffit.org/give-back/donate.
Survivors include son Jim and wife Lesley of Malabar; brother Jim Payne; and many friends.