Effie King

Effie Louise McDermott King, 11/27/1952 - 1/15/2026 - born to the late James and Emma Sue McDermott entered the heavenly gates the morning of 1/15/2026 at her home as her parents, siblings, and other loved ones welcomed her in.

Effie grew up in Athens, TN, attending the McMinn County school system. She gave herself to God at an early age at AOH Church. Effie exemplified Matthew 25:21 in its truest sense, living her life as a good and faithful servant. She spent most of her life as a caretaker to others. After the passing of her grandmother, Mama Ruby, Effie naturally became the matriarch of the family—the one everyone turned to for guidance, shelter, a warm meal, and whatever help she could provide, even if it meant coming to the rescue with her “peace”. At her infamous fish fries, you could always count on Effie being present, greeting everyone with a warm smile and a sarcastic remark. One thing was certain: the fish fry would always be a sellout. Effie carried the love of God deeply in her soul and was always eager and ready to pray for anyone, even those she met in passing out in public. She dearly loved her church family at ACOGS . Even during times of illness, Effie often persevered, downplaying the severity of her condition so as not to inconvenience others. When she was unable to attend church, her absence was deeply felt, as she was truly missed.

Effie was predeceased by her parents; grandparents Jesse and Rudy Daniels and Roy and Dorothy McDermott; husband Trossie King; siblings William, Ronnie, Steven, and James McDermott, Jr, Clifford Bailey, Rubenia Moore, and Lisa Newsom; and many other close family members

Effie leaves to mourn her very loving and devoted children, Tyson (Regina) King, Sr. and Yolanda Rice. Grand- and great-grandchildren: Peaches (Malachi, Elijah) Pollard, Tyson King Jr.(Jeremiah), Jamial (Kari, Averi, Alexander), Concepshe’an (Keith, Aurelia), Victoria (Jamari, Josiah, Jahziel), Jay Dean, JaMia (Victor, Eiden, Ever) Smith, J’Anah Davis and Jordan (Carly, Navaiah) Bowden. Sister and brother,  Michelle Wade and Bryant McDermott, and mother-in-law, Ruth Malone. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alfred and Victoria Malone. Uncles Webster and Kenneth (Charlesetta) McDermott, and very special aunt Alice Oliver. Dear friends Benette Ramsey, Jerri Wade, and Joann Favors. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family, and friends too numerous to mention, including her ACOGS and St. Mark families, but know that you held a special place in Effie’s heart.

Homegoing Celebration services will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Freedman Chapel Presbyterian Church – Athens, TN, with Minister Mae Hammonds officiating and delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Hammonds Cemetery in Athens, TN