Betty Lorine King

Betty Lorine King was born on October 18, 1930, the eldest daughter of Burton and Bessie Walthall.  Betty was one of six children, all living in a small two-bedroom home in rural Suitland, Maryland.  Times were not easy, but her parents provided for all the children by living off the land and sacrificing to make sure their basic needs were met. Those challenging times before and after the World War II would shape Betty into the adult she would become. Preceding her to their heavenly home were her five siblings:  Ed, Billy, Charlie, Walter, and Jean Daniel. 

Betty lived with her family until her marriage to Hampton King in 1950.   The early years of their marriage were spent at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Hampton was a private in the U.S. Army.  Upon discharge, they moved to Prince George’s County, living near the D.C. line and then to a home in Clinton, Maryland.  In 1968, they decided to build a home in Charles County.  Betty was a resident of Charles County for more than 55 years.  She lived first in a home she and her former husband built in the Forest Grove community in White Plains, Maryland.  Betty lived in that home for many years until the two-acre property became more than she could manage.  In 2005, Betty moved to her dream home in the Hawthorne Greene community in LaPlata, where she lived until her death.  Betty loved her friends in Hawthorne Greene, and they were amazing neighbors, always there when she needed help.

Betty worked her entire life. Betty’s first job in the Washington area was at the Census Bureau in Suitland and then she transferred to the Department of Commerce in D.C., where she worked many years in personnel for the Federal government.  In early 1960’s, Betty left the Federal government and went to work for the Prince George County Court House in Upper Marlboro, MD, where she worked in accounting.  Betty’s last employer was the formally named, Charles County Community College where she worked for 25 years.  She began as an account assistant in 1968, and through very hard work, and she would rise to the position of Director of Fiscal Affairs.  Betty retired after a dedicated 25-year career with the college on June 31, 1993.

Betty was best known for her passions for travel, history, culture, and antiques.  She would regale all with incredible stories of her many travels across North America, Russia, and the European continent.  She was often accompanied by her travel companion and dear friend, Chuck German, on her many journeys and had fond memories of their times together. Amongst her family and friends, Betty was beloved for her gift of gamesmanship and enjoyed playing bingo and poker with members of her neighborhood and local community.  She also loved her slots and would take any offer that came along to go to a casino. 

Betty loved her family and the times spent together were filled with love, laughter and fun.  Betty is survived by her loving family: her daughter, Cindy King-Lucas; her son-in-law, Randy Lucas; her grandson, Matt Lucas, and his wife, Emily; and her granddaughter, Katie Lucas.  In addition, Betty has 2 nephews and 2 neices: Bert Daniel (Sherry), Steve Walthall (Margaret), Debbie Madden (Brian), and Darlene Wahler (Bill) and their families. 

On January 18, 2023, Betty will be celebrated with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Lee Funeral Home in Clinton Maryland.  Friends and family are welcome to arrive at 10 a.m. for a time of viewing and prayer. Betty will be laid to rest following the memorial service at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.  We will celebrate her amazing life with a Celebration of Life gathering on January 28, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Hawthorne Greene Community clubhouse, 234 Williamsburg Circle LaPlata, Maryland.

God’s blessings to Betty and her family.