Alberta Evelyn "Bert" Barrett King

Alberta Evelyn “Bert” Barrett King, 89, of Fletcher, North Carolina, passed peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Fairview, following a long and courageous journey with the dreadful Alzheimer’s disease.

Born November 7, 1936, to Albert and Myra Barrett, Bert lived a vibrant, faith-filled life defined by love, service, and an unwavering dedication to others. As a young woman working in a soda fountain shop, she met her “one and only,” Thurman Franklin King. They were married on March 31, 1955, in Wyandotte, Michigan, beginning a devoted partnership that would span a lifetime. Together, they settled in the mountains of western North Carolina, where they raised their family and built a home filled with love, faith, and lasting memories.

Once her children were in school, Bert followed a calling to education that would shape generations. She earned two master’s degrees from Mars Hill College and went on to teach kindergarten and first grade at Fairview Elementary School for 34 years. “Mrs. King” was a gifted and passionate educator with a remarkable ability to connect with every child. She ensured her students not only learned to read, but also felt seen, valued, and inspired.

Her excellence in education was recognized with numerous honors, including Teacher of the Year, as well as the meaningful distinction of having a school yearbook dedicated in her honor, testaments to the lasting impact she made on generations of students and families. She poured countless hours into creating engaging and welcoming classrooms, where learning was both joyful and meaningful.

Bert’s deep faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of Asheville Church of Christ, she faithfully taught Sunday school and invested wholeheartedly in the spiritual lives of others. She had a genuine passion for sharing God’s love and guiding others to know Jesus Christ. Her life was a daily reflection of kindness, encouragement, and selfless service.

She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved working outdoors, spending time in her yard, and preparing meals for those she loved. Her homemade country biscuits and cornbread became a signature expression of her warmth and hospitality. After retirement, she enjoyed spending winters in Florida, embracing fellowship, sunshine, and the beauty of God’s creation.

Above all, Bert treasured her family. Her love, strength, and steady presence created a foundation that will continue to support and inspire generations.

She is survived by her sister, Darlene Howe; her daughter, Kandi King Shepherd of Fairview; her son, Kevin King of Arden; three grandchildren, Todd King (Laci), Scott Burns (Aimie), and Jessica Shepherd Joudry (Nathan); and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thurman King; her parents, Albert and Myra Barrett; her brothers, Roy Barrett and James Barrett; her sister, Nellie Harner and her son, Kerry King.

Bert’s life was a reflection of her guiding principle: serve God first, family second, others third, and herself last. Her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, with Pastor Joe Hickman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ABCCM (Asheville Buncombe Community ChristianMinistry) and/or Veterans Restoration Quarters, an ABCCM ministry supporting veterans in restoring productive lives.