Rhonda King
/Rhonda King
Four States Living Tribute To Women
photo by ANITA PEEK PHOTOGRAPHY
During her speeches, Christian author and speaker, Joyce Meyer, often says: “When you begin to worry, go find something to do. Get busy being a blessing to someone; do something fruitful. Worrying will not solve your problem.” Rhonda King strives to follow those life’s instructions, while being a humble servant who listens to God for daily direction.
Bill and Rhonda on a Caribbean cruise this past January.
Rhonda King has always felt love and support from her family, even as a child. “I had the best childhood ever,” she explains, “thanks to good parents who invested in me, two sisters who have always been there for me, and a great husband, Bill. Knowing that I am loved has always been a ‘given.’”
Raising five great kids (Clint, Lauren, Kadie, Chasen, and Jay) in a step-family dynamic is a feat that Rhonda calls her proudest personal accomplishment. She and Bill are now empty-nesters, with all of their kids married with 12 children of their own (and more to come).
A woman with many talents, Rhonda served as an assistant property manager in Las Colinas after graduating from Hendrix College. In her early days, she worked as a fitness instructor in Springfield, Missouri, served as an occupational therapy aide in Fayetteville, Arkansas, a grants administrative assistant in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and a vocational instructor for the State of Arkansas. Prior to her retirement, she was director of Colonial Lodge (an assisted living/retirement community), worked in marketing for Grand Storage Solutions, and was in social services for a nursing home in Kansas City.
Listening to others and letting them know she cares about them is a passion of Rhonda’s. She loves going to sleep at night knowing that she has been able to bless someone that day. “I’ve served 16 years as a Kiwanian, an organization that helps
the Texarkana community in countless ways,” Rhonda says. “I have been a MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) mentor for four years, and I’m a member of a knitting/crochet circle that makes handmade caps for chemo patients which I collect and distribute to our local cancer centers.” She and Bill also co-teach a “Marriage Matters” Sunday morning class and facilitate a step-family support group at First Baptist Church Texarkana.
The Way Leanne Wright sees her
Rhonda King is the kind of person who sees a need and fills it. Often behind-the-scenes and without any fanfare or recognition, she just has a knack for taking care of people and being there when they need her. Whether it’s blankets for a homeless shelter or handmade hat creations for cancer patients, she’ll be there, quietly making sure everyone feels surrounded by love. She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana and has been an active member of First Baptist Church Texarkana for many years. She’s the kind of friend who will send you a random text, having no idea that you were in need of a bright spot in your day. Her positive energy and outlook are contagious, giving an immediate boost to anyone fortunate enough to be near her. She has a genuinely kind and giving heart, and I am fortunate to call her a friend.
FUN FACTS
What is something unique about you that most people would not know?
“I inherited my Daddy’s violin which is at least 100+ years old, and I aspire to play it well one day.”
If you could have dinner with one person, famous or not, living or would it be?
“Jesus, of course! I would go ‘light’ on the food, and ‘heavy’ on the questions!”
If you could travel to space, and it was free, would you go?
“Absolutely not! I’m not a fan of the dark unknown or the confinement of small spaces.”
What music do you listen to in your vehicle?
“K-LOVE.”
What did you imagine yourself being when you were growing up? “I saw myself as an independent career woman; I just had no idea what that career would be. I think the influence was from watching ‘That Girl’ and wishing I was Marlo Thomas.”
What is the last gift you gave someone?
“I gave flowers to console someone after a pet’s death.”
What is your favorite meal that you order regularly at a local establishment?
“Gusano’s lunch salad + pizza special from my favorite waitress, Kendra. She always makes us laugh and treats us well.”
If there was a movie produced about your life, which actress would portray you?
“That answer would also be Marlo Thomas.”