Ondrea Monique King

Ondrea Monique King was born on February 20, 1966 in Sheffield, Alabama. She was the first born child and only daughter of her mother, Shirley Parks. She was affectionately known to family as Niqa Bug and friends as Moni Mon.

Monique attended Mason Elementary School and Collins High School in Chicago, IL, where she became a huge fan of Chicago sport teams. Her home decor and wardrobe showcased memorabilia of the Bears, the Bulls, the Blackhawks and the Cubs. Monique enjoyed roller skating, music and binge ­watching movies and tv shows. She was known for her sense of fashion and style, especially her heels. MK was her favorite brand and she made sure we knew it stood for Monique King.

Monique was baptized at First Corinthians M.B. Church under the late Rev Harvey Spivey. During her time with us, Monique also served as a member of Greater St. John Bible Church under Rev Ira J. Acree. At the time of her passing, she was an active member of First Corinthians and the Voices of Victory alto section under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Angela Spivey.

Monique was called to glory on August 31, 2024 and is now reunited with her youngest son, Shawn Lavaris, grandmother Earlene King, cousin Shonda King, niece Latasha Nicole Hibbler and nephew Lavaris Johnson.

Monique leaves to cherish her memories her mother, Shirley Parks, her father, Alonzo Yates of Arizona and her life partner Link Austin. Being a mother was one of her proudest accomplishments. Motherhood for Monique extended beyond the children she birthed. Her beautiful legacy will continue in the lives of her children Valencia, Taketta, Riquitta, Domonique, Latoya and Lil Greg. She was the proud grandmother of Edward, Kayla, Roger Jr, Micah and great grandchildren, Chloe, Cartier, Zaire, Zamira and Amina.

Monique is survived by her brothers, Christopher King, Deshawn Parks, Unseld (Cynthia) Parks. Though her mother did not have any other daughters, Monique had many chosen sisters, including Bewana Hibbler, Beonca Hibbler, Sabrina Bailey, Lisa Williams, Angela Eskridge, Latesha Pike, Nadine Williams, Alice Washington, Pamela Cobbs Ricks and paternal sisters Joyce Dickerson and Karen Harris. She also leaves behind her aunts Rita Jean Stewart of Memphis, Nadine Gholston of Chicago, Vonda (James) Whiteside of Florence, Alabama and her uncles Emmett (Carrie) King Jr of Muscle Shoals, Alabama and Eddie King of Barton, Alabama. Her village included a great number of cherished, loved ones including Gregory Maxwell, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

As a result of her generous spirit, outgoing personality, infectious joy and positivity, Monique was loved by many. She was the life of any party. She never missed a birthday and believed in celebrating life and celebrating the people in hers. Monique was always willing to open her doors to anyone in need. She was everyone's favorite babysitter and tax consultant. Monique was known to be a woman of her word by her loved ones. She had a heart of gold and was never seen without a smile on her face. "She was more than a good woman and a good person. She was a beautiful soul who carried light in her smile and love in her bones."

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