Marilyn Louise King

Marilyn Louise (Hixson) King passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024. She was 77 years old. Born September 1, 1946, in Yakima, WA to parents Ted and Emma Hixson, Marilyn spent her childhood in Yakima, and then the family moved to San Antonio, TX when she was 16. She finished her last year of high school at International Bible College and then attended IBC for college classes as well.

In 1959, Marilyn traveled with her family to minister in Hartburg, TX. Douglas King crossed her path there, and it was love at first sight. At only 13 years old, she told her mother she would marry that man one day. Not long after telling her mother this, they packed up and went back to Washington. From there, Douglas and Marilyn stayed in touch over the next few years with countless letters sent back and forth through the mail, and they fell further in love. They were married on August 13, 1966, and their family of two grew to a family of four with the births of their daughters in the years that followed. 

Marilyn and Douglas were traveling ministers and pastored for many years. In 1988 Marilyn and her daughter, Tonya moved to Santa Rosa Beach, FL to be a part of Vision Church at Christian International. Though Marilyn and Douglas had separated at this time, she believed full restoration would take place in their family, and after 8½ years of fervent prayers, God answered Marilyn’s request. She and Doug were reunited and renewed their vows on February 14, 1997. 

Marilyn started working for Bishop Bill Hamon in 1988 when she and Tonya came to Florida, and she served for 26 years as his administrator. In 2014, she began working for Wayne Williamson, her son-in-law, at his law firm. Unbeknownst to her, this was only 2 months before her sister Evelyn Hamon’s unexpected passing. Marilyn enjoyed working for Wayne, but her time there was cut short as she had to undergo a 5-heart bypass in November 2019, and, after that procedure, working became too difficult. 

Doug built Marilyn their house in 2001. The house was full of love and joy as their grandchildren, Caleb, Zane, and Crystal, were close and were able to visit often. Marilyn and Douglas loved these children so very much, and Marilyn identified her family as the pride and joy of her life. She attended nearly every activity the grandkids had, cheering them on with her full support. Nothing held her back from up staying active with her family. She remained dedicated to grandkids' activities, graduations, colleges, Crystal’s wedding, Crystal’s pregnancy, and everything they were involved in until September 9, 2023, when she had a stroke that did not allow to keep going as she desired to. 

Marilyn leaves behind her daughter Tonya King (Wayne Williamson), grandchildren Caleb King-Williamson, Zane King-Williamson (Macy), Crystal Byrd (Hayden), and great-granddaughter Sadie Elaine Byrd. Marilyn is also survived by her sister, Donna Walters (Leon), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nephews and nieces, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Douglas King, parents Ted and Emma Hixson, daughter Crystal Elaine King, sisters, Evelyn Hamon and Sharon Hedman, sister-in-law Linda King, nephew Mark Billiott, and great-great niece Maribelle Sims.

The family is hosting a memorial service on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Vision Church at Christian International in Santa Rosa Beach it will begin at 12:45 PM.