Tardy Faye King
Tardy Faye King was born on Tuesday, March 25, 1943, to the late Fred and Christine Jones in Chattanooga, Tn. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family and friends, her beloved cat Sophia and Chris’ cat Jewelz who was always lying at her feet.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Bernard T. King, Sr.; sisters, Norma Jean Price and JoAnn Blake; brothers, Freddie Jones and James Jones.
Tardy Faye always showed a spirit of compassion and resilience. She dedicated her life to serving others, through her career at Feed and Supply Company and National Linen Service. After reflecting on her marriage vows, in sickness and in health, she retired to dedicate her full attention to her husband’s welfare.
Tardy Faye accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord at an early age. She was a prior member of Grace Baptist Tabernacle before reconnecting with Orchard Knob where she served on with the Deaconess Ministry and the Sisterhood Ministry. She remained faithful and actively involved until her husband’s illness and lastly hers.
Tardy Faye was educated in the Chattanooga Public School System and was a 1960 graduate of Howard High School. She continued her education at Clark College. After a while, Tardy Faye enrolled at Chattanooga State Technical Community College, where she majored in Information Systems Technology with a concentration in End User Support. At the age of 55, she graduated from Chattanooga State Community College as Cum Laude earning her Associate of Applied Science Degree. This exemplifies her being a constant inspiration to all and letting her light shine brightly. The icing on the cake was that she attended and graduated with her son, Bernard, Jr.
Tardy Faye was devoted to her family, as was shown by her love, kindness, loyalty, and dedication. She was an active supporter of not only her children but also to her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members. Before she became ill, she attended as many of the basketball games as she could, in support of her nephew, Chattanooga State Coach Jay Price.
Tardy Faye enjoyed fishing with her sons, following Chattanooga State basketball, getting manicures, going to movies, and traveling. Attending school plays and musicals with Daughter Kimberly (Anthony) and granddaughters was oh so precious to her. Some of her favorite things were Baskin-Robbins’ strawberry ice cream, smoothies from Smoothie King, and watching “Get Up” and sports on ESPN and Rachel Maddow on MSNBC. She was a connoisseur of good food, and loved experiencing different foods at different restaurants, especially in New Orleans. Tardy Faye was so talented with knitting and crocheting, and to say the least, she was self-taught.
She leaves many memories behind in the hearts of her sons, Paul T. Walker, Jr., Bernard T. (Sonia) King, Jr., and Christopher J. King; daughter, Kimberly (Anthony) King-Cothern; brother, Spencer (Brenda) Jones; brother-in-law, Lamar (Avis) King; special sister-in-law, Ola Brewer (Glenn) Scruggs; grandsons, Paul Walker, III, Bernard “Trey” King, III; granddaughters, Kenya King, Alexis Cothern, Brittany Cothern, Madison Cothern, Christina Cothern, and Chyna Cothern, Jordan Walker; very special relative, Robert King; special friends, Jessica McCoy Moore, Constance and Wilbert Washington, Commissioner Gregory and Patricia Beck; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family and a host of friends.
Public viewing will be held on Thursday, May 29, from 10-11 a.m., at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service.
Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.