Eunice Bassett King passed from this life on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Polk Street United Methodist Sanctuary. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery. Family visitation will be at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St., Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Life began for Eunice Bassett King in Venus, New Mexico in 1921. Parents were Oscar and Clara May Bassett. Eunice's mother, Clara May, had a rich ancestral heritage and an independent pioneering spirit. She was a descendant of the James Taylor family, who immigrated to America from England in 1660. From this lineage came two Presidents of the United States — James Madison and Zachary Taylor. In 1891, at the age of 1; Clara May's family joined a covered wagon train in Cherokee Co, North Carolina on a transcontinental trek. Clara May's great-grandfather had married Mary, a full-blooded Cherokee Indian and the family moved west to claim a homestead in the Oklahoma Territory. It is there Clara May met and married Oscar Bassett. True to their pioneer spirit, they traveled to the base of the Sandia Mountains about 30 miles east of Albuquerque, N.M., to homestead the land, which was to become the Bassett Ranch.
Eunice described Venus as a rural village of about 50 families. Venus is now known as Edgewood, N.M. Many of the Bassett decedents still reside there. Eunice's five siblings preceded her in death.
As a young girl, Eunice contracted typhoid fever and was hospitalized for six weeks. There she got a glimpse of the work of the doctors and nurses, which kindled in her a great respect and interest in the medical field. As was once written about her "She hasn't really been out of a hospital since."
Upon high school graduation, her career plan was solid in her mind. Her dream of becoming a nurse brought her to Amarillo in 1939, to attend Northwest Texas Hospital School of Nursing. The school she later would Dean.
Nursing school was tough. Less than half of each nursing class graduated, but Eunice prevailed and even found time for some social life.
On Dec 7, 1941, she along with other students were attending a movie at the Paramount Theater, when a bulletin was flashed on the screen announcing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This changed the lives and plans of many young men, doctors, and nurses. Many answered the call to join the Armed Forces and immediately deployed. This embedded in her mind the critical problem a nursing shortage can create. Therefore, she dedicated her career to making certain the panhandle could produce high-quality nurses. This was accomplished by creating regional and interinstitutional programs in nursing education and other allied fields.
During this time, she met and married Turner King. They briefly relocated to Roswell, N.M., where he was stationed during World War II. There she worked in the hospital as a charge nurse on the Ob/Gyn Floor and later as the chief Nurse in the Outpatient clinic. When her husband was deployed to Korea, she moved to California, where she was a nurse to the movie stars.
Following World War II, the Kings moved back to Amarillo, and Eunice began her long association with Northwest Texas Hospital. Her 40-year career at Northwest saw her rise through the ranks. She continued growing professionally and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Education from West Texas State University, and did post graduate study in Administration and psychiatric/mental health nursing at the University of Texas. She completed additional postgraduate study in administration and management at the University of Texas and Texas A&M University.
During her years as director of the Northwest Texas School of Nursing, the school enrollment grew from 55 to 348 students, and became the largest diploma school in the state of Texas. Eunice was a positive force in developing a Licensed Vocational Nurse Program and the Associate Degree Program in Nursing at Amarillo College.
She was also instrumental in launching the Baccalaureate Program and a Master's Program in Nursing at West Texas State University. It was here she served as dean of the Department of Nursing for four years. Her career with the Amarillo Hospital District included: Director of Nursing, Director of the School of Nursing, administrator of the Division of Professional Patient Services and Education, administrator of the Division of Mental Health Services and Education, and as acting executive director in 1973 and 1982. She co-authored nursing textbooks that were published both nationally and internationally. In 1986, Eunice retired after 40 active years in the health care field.
The Eunice King Scholarship at Amarillo College was established in her honor at retirement, which has furthered the education of many nursing students in the area. Eunice did not consider "retirement" a valid word in her vocabulary. She saw it as a time to move on to other pursuits. She served as a visiting professor at several universities in the state, presented workshops on management, and various motivational programs, Eunice was instrumental in establishing two different programs in Amarillo, with the common goal of promoting independent living for the handicapped and elderly.
She earned a national award for her role in developing the Amarillo Multi-Service Center for Aging, which includes the Jan Werner Adult Day Care Center. After that, Eunice established the Widow Persons Service, a division of the AARP for Amarillo, where she served as the president.
Meanwhile, Eunice was also president of a family corporation, which developed residential and commercial subdivisions on her parents original homestead in New Mexico.
Eunice's contributions and achievements are numerous. Local highlights include: Amarillo Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi's Woman of the Year in 1965, Texas Panhandle Distinguished Service Award 1976, Amarillo Women's Network Career Achievement Award in 1983, Amarillo Globe-Times Woman of the Year 1984, President of Chamber of Commerce Women's Division, and a loyal advocate for Meals on Wheels.
Statewide level achievements include: Appointed to the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas by Gov. John Connally and served a 6-year term, and then reappointed by Gov. Preston Smith for another 6-year term. She served as president of the state board for two terms. In 1965 she was elected President of Texas League for Nursing.
Achievements at the national level include: Elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 1976, the only nurse at that time in the Panhandle to receive this honor, appointed to the National League for Nursing Board of Review for Accrediting Nursing Programs, appointed to U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Grants Review Committee, recipient of the National League for Nurses "Community Long Term Care Award," and was listed in "Who's Who in American Nursing."
In addition to her professional career, she maintained a full personal life which included her family, friends, PEO group, and many volunteer and nursing associates. She was a lifetime member of Polk Street United Methodist Church, and a member and teacher of the Susanna Wesley class.
From the simple beginnings of a young RN to a full life of accomplishments, Eunice remained unchanged — a nurturer, innovator, educator, administrator, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed.
Memorial contributions can be made to "Eunice King Scholarship Fund" — Amarillo College Nursing Program A.C. Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Amarillo, TX 79178; Amarillo Meals on Wheels, 219 W. Seventh Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101; or Nursing, Former Faculty Endowment Fund, WTAMU, Box 60969, Canyon, TX 79016.
Preceded in death by her husband, Turner King, in 1985; and five siblings.
Survived by her two daughters, Kathy Farber and husband Larry of Amarillo and Janet Patterson and husband Larry of Edmond, Okla.; her six grandchildren, Paige Pryor and husband Matt of Edmond, Matthew Patterson and wife Julie of Bloomington, Ill., Karie Crowley and husband Justin of Amarillo, Kellie Rogers and husband Mason of Amarillo, Gregory Farber and wife Leila of Fort Worth, and Grant Farber and wife Brandi of Amarillo; and nine great-grandchildren.
Sign the online guest book at www.schoolerfuneralhome.com.
Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 3, 2011.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Polk Street United Methodist Sanctuary. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery. Family visitation will be at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St., Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Life began for Eunice Bassett King in Venus, New Mexico in 1921. Parents were Oscar and Clara May Bassett. Eunice's mother, Clara May, had a rich ancestral heritage and an independent pioneering spirit. She was a descendant of the James Taylor family, who immigrated to America from England in 1660. From this lineage came two Presidents of the United States — James Madison and Zachary Taylor. In 1891, at the age of 1; Clara May's family joined a covered wagon train in Cherokee Co, North Carolina on a transcontinental trek. Clara May's great-grandfather had married Mary, a full-blooded Cherokee Indian and the family moved west to claim a homestead in the Oklahoma Territory. It is there Clara May met and married Oscar Bassett. True to their pioneer spirit, they traveled to the base of the Sandia Mountains about 30 miles east of Albuquerque, N.M., to homestead the land, which was to become the Bassett Ranch.
Eunice described Venus as a rural village of about 50 families. Venus is now known as Edgewood, N.M. Many of the Bassett decedents still reside there. Eunice's five siblings preceded her in death.
As a young girl, Eunice contracted typhoid fever and was hospitalized for six weeks. There she got a glimpse of the work of the doctors and nurses, which kindled in her a great respect and interest in the medical field. As was once written about her "She hasn't really been out of a hospital since."
Upon high school graduation, her career plan was solid in her mind. Her dream of becoming a nurse brought her to Amarillo in 1939, to attend Northwest Texas Hospital School of Nursing. The school she later would Dean.
Nursing school was tough. Less than half of each nursing class graduated, but Eunice prevailed and even found time for some social life.
On Dec 7, 1941, she along with other students were attending a movie at the Paramount Theater, when a bulletin was flashed on the screen announcing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This changed the lives and plans of many young men, doctors, and nurses. Many answered the call to join the Armed Forces and immediately deployed. This embedded in her mind the critical problem a nursing shortage can create. Therefore, she dedicated her career to making certain the panhandle could produce high-quality nurses. This was accomplished by creating regional and interinstitutional programs in nursing education and other allied fields.
During this time, she met and married Turner King. They briefly relocated to Roswell, N.M., where he was stationed during World War II. There she worked in the hospital as a charge nurse on the Ob/Gyn Floor and later as the chief Nurse in the Outpatient clinic. When her husband was deployed to Korea, she moved to California, where she was a nurse to the movie stars.
Following World War II, the Kings moved back to Amarillo, and Eunice began her long association with Northwest Texas Hospital. Her 40-year career at Northwest saw her rise through the ranks. She continued growing professionally and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Education from West Texas State University, and did post graduate study in Administration and psychiatric/mental health nursing at the University of Texas. She completed additional postgraduate study in administration and management at the University of Texas and Texas A&M University.
During her years as director of the Northwest Texas School of Nursing, the school enrollment grew from 55 to 348 students, and became the largest diploma school in the state of Texas. Eunice was a positive force in developing a Licensed Vocational Nurse Program and the Associate Degree Program in Nursing at Amarillo College.
She was also instrumental in launching the Baccalaureate Program and a Master's Program in Nursing at West Texas State University. It was here she served as dean of the Department of Nursing for four years. Her career with the Amarillo Hospital District included: Director of Nursing, Director of the School of Nursing, administrator of the Division of Professional Patient Services and Education, administrator of the Division of Mental Health Services and Education, and as acting executive director in 1973 and 1982. She co-authored nursing textbooks that were published both nationally and internationally. In 1986, Eunice retired after 40 active years in the health care field.
The Eunice King Scholarship at Amarillo College was established in her honor at retirement, which has furthered the education of many nursing students in the area. Eunice did not consider "retirement" a valid word in her vocabulary. She saw it as a time to move on to other pursuits. She served as a visiting professor at several universities in the state, presented workshops on management, and various motivational programs, Eunice was instrumental in establishing two different programs in Amarillo, with the common goal of promoting independent living for the handicapped and elderly.
She earned a national award for her role in developing the Amarillo Multi-Service Center for Aging, which includes the Jan Werner Adult Day Care Center. After that, Eunice established the Widow Persons Service, a division of the AARP for Amarillo, where she served as the president.
Meanwhile, Eunice was also president of a family corporation, which developed residential and commercial subdivisions on her parents original homestead in New Mexico.
Eunice's contributions and achievements are numerous. Local highlights include: Amarillo Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi's Woman of the Year in 1965, Texas Panhandle Distinguished Service Award 1976, Amarillo Women's Network Career Achievement Award in 1983, Amarillo Globe-Times Woman of the Year 1984, President of Chamber of Commerce Women's Division, and a loyal advocate for Meals on Wheels.
Statewide level achievements include: Appointed to the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas by Gov. John Connally and served a 6-year term, and then reappointed by Gov. Preston Smith for another 6-year term. She served as president of the state board for two terms. In 1965 she was elected President of Texas League for Nursing.
Achievements at the national level include: Elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 1976, the only nurse at that time in the Panhandle to receive this honor, appointed to the National League for Nursing Board of Review for Accrediting Nursing Programs, appointed to U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Grants Review Committee, recipient of the National League for Nurses "Community Long Term Care Award," and was listed in "Who's Who in American Nursing."
In addition to her professional career, she maintained a full personal life which included her family, friends, PEO group, and many volunteer and nursing associates. She was a lifetime member of Polk Street United Methodist Church, and a member and teacher of the Susanna Wesley class.
From the simple beginnings of a young RN to a full life of accomplishments, Eunice remained unchanged — a nurturer, innovator, educator, administrator, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed.
Memorial contributions can be made to "Eunice King Scholarship Fund" — Amarillo College Nursing Program A.C. Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Amarillo, TX 79178; Amarillo Meals on Wheels, 219 W. Seventh Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101; or Nursing, Former Faculty Endowment Fund, WTAMU, Box 60969, Canyon, TX 79016.
Preceded in death by her husband, Turner King, in 1985; and five siblings.
Survived by her two daughters, Kathy Farber and husband Larry of Amarillo and Janet Patterson and husband Larry of Edmond, Okla.; her six grandchildren, Paige Pryor and husband Matt of Edmond, Matthew Patterson and wife Julie of Bloomington, Ill., Karie Crowley and husband Justin of Amarillo, Kellie Rogers and husband Mason of Amarillo, Gregory Farber and wife Leila of Fort Worth, and Grant Farber and wife Brandi of Amarillo; and nine great-grandchildren.
Sign the online guest book at www.schoolerfuneralhome.com.
Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 3, 2011.
Eunice Bassett King passed from this life on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Polk Street United Methodist Sanctuary. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery. Family visitation will be at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St., Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Life began for Eunice Bassett King in Venus, New Mexico in 1921. Parents were Oscar and Clara May Bassett. Eunice's mother, Clara May, had a rich ancestral heritage and an independent pioneering spirit. She was a descendant of the James Taylor family, who immigrated to America from England in 1660. From this lineage came two Presidents of the United States — James Madison and Zachary Taylor. In 1891, at the age of 1; Clara May's family joined a covered wagon train in Cherokee Co, North Carolina on a transcontinental trek. Clara May's great-grandfather had married Mary, a full-blooded Cherokee Indian and the family moved west to claim a homestead in the Oklahoma Territory. It is there Clara May met and married Oscar Bassett. True to their pioneer spirit, they traveled to the base of the Sandia Mountains about 30 miles east of Albuquerque, N.M., to homestead the land, which was to become the Bassett Ranch.
Eunice described Venus as a rural village of about 50 families. Venus is now known as Edgewood, N.M. Many of the Bassett decedents still reside there. Eunice's five siblings preceded her in death.
As a young girl, Eunice contracted typhoid fever and was hospitalized for six weeks. There she got a glimpse of the work of the doctors and nurses, which kindled in her a great respect and interest in the medical field. As was once written about her "She hasn't really been out of a hospital since."
Upon high school graduation, her career plan was solid in her mind. Her dream of becoming a nurse brought her to Amarillo in 1939, to attend Northwest Texas Hospital School of Nursing. The school she later would Dean.
Nursing school was tough. Less than half of each nursing class graduated, but Eunice prevailed and even found time for some social life.
On Dec 7, 1941, she along with other students were attending a movie at the Paramount Theater, when a bulletin was flashed on the screen announcing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This changed the lives and plans of many young men, doctors, and nurses. Many answered the call to join the Armed Forces and immediately deployed. This embedded in her mind the critical problem a nursing shortage can create. Therefore, she dedicated her career to making certain the panhandle could produce high-quality nurses. This was accomplished by creating regional and interinstitutional programs in nursing education and other allied fields.
During this time, she met and married Turner King. They briefly relocated to Roswell, N.M., where he was stationed during World War II. There she worked in the hospital as a charge nurse on the Ob/Gyn Floor and later as the chief Nurse in the Outpatient clinic. When her husband was deployed to Korea, she moved to California, where she was a nurse to the movie stars.
Following World War II, the Kings moved back to Amarillo, and Eunice began her long association with Northwest Texas Hospital. Her 40-year career at Northwest saw her rise through the ranks. She continued growing professionally and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Education from West Texas State University, and did post graduate study in Administration and psychiatric/mental health nursing at the University of Texas. She completed additional postgraduate study in administration and management at the University of Texas and Texas A&M University.
During her years as director of the Northwest Texas School of Nursing, the school enrollment grew from 55 to 348 students, and became the largest diploma school in the state of Texas. Eunice was a positive force in developing a Licensed Vocational Nurse Program and the Associate Degree Program in Nursing at Amarillo College.
She was also instrumental in launching the Baccalaureate Program and a Master's Program in Nursing at West Texas State University. It was here she served as dean of the Department of Nursing for four years. Her career with the Amarillo Hospital District included: Director of Nursing, Director of the School of Nursing, administrator of the Division of Professional Patient Services and Education, administrator of the Division of Mental Health Services and Education, and as acting executive director in 1973 and 1982. She co-authored nursing textbooks that were published both nationally and internationally. In 1986, Eunice retired after 40 active years in the health care field.
The Eunice King Scholarship at Amarillo College was established in her honor at retirement, which has furthered the education of many nursing students in the area. Eunice did not consider "retirement" a valid word in her vocabulary. She saw it as a time to move on to other pursuits. She served as a visiting professor at several universities in the state, presented workshops on management, and various motivational programs, Eunice was instrumental in establishing two different programs in Amarillo, with the common goal of promoting independent living for the handicapped and elderly.
She earned a national award for her role in developing the Amarillo Multi-Service Center for Aging, which includes the Jan Werner Adult Day Care Center. After that, Eunice established the Widow Persons Service, a division of the AARP for Amarillo, where she served as the president.
Meanwhile, Eunice was also president of a family corporation, which developed residential and commercial subdivisions on her parents original homestead in New Mexico.
Eunice's contributions and achievements are numerous. Local highlights include: Amarillo Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi's Woman of the Year in 1965, Texas Panhandle Distinguished Service Award 1976, Amarillo Women's Network Career Achievement Award in 1983, Amarillo Globe-Times Woman of the Year 1984, President of Chamber of Commerce Women's Division, and a loyal advocate for Meals on Wheels.
Statewide level achievements include: Appointed to the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas by Gov. John Connally and served a 6-year term, and then reappointed by Gov. Preston Smith for another 6-year term. She served as president of the state board for two terms. In 1965 she was elected President of Texas League for Nursing.
Achievements at the national level include: Elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 1976, the only nurse at that time in the Panhandle to receive this honor, appointed to the National League for Nursing Board of Review for Accrediting Nursing Programs, appointed to U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Grants Review Committee, recipient of the National League for Nurses "Community Long Term Care Award," and was listed in "Who's Who in American Nursing."
In addition to her professional career, she maintained a full personal life which included her family, friends, PEO group, and many volunteer and nursing associates. She was a lifetime member of Polk Street United Methodist Church, and a member and teacher of the Susanna Wesley class.
From the simple beginnings of a young RN to a full life of accomplishments, Eunice remained unchanged — a nurturer, innovator, educator, administrator, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed.
Memorial contributions can be made to "Eunice King Scholarship Fund" — Amarillo College Nursing Program A.C. Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Amarillo, TX 79178; Amarillo Meals on Wheels, 219 W. Seventh Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101; or Nursing, Former Faculty Endowment Fund, WTAMU, Box 60969, Canyon, TX 79016.
Preceded in death by her husband, Turner King, in 1985; and five siblings.
Survived by her two daughters, Kathy Farber and husband Larry of Amarillo and Janet Patterson and husband Larry of Edmond, Okla.; her six grandchildren, Paige Pryor and husband Matt of Edmond, Matthew Patterson and wife Julie of Bloomington, Ill., Karie Crowley and husband Justin of Amarillo, Kellie Rogers and husband Mason of Amarillo, Gregory Farber and wife Leila of Fort Worth, and Grant Farber and wife Brandi of Amarillo; and nine great-grandchildren.
Sign the online guest book at www.schoolerfuneralhome.com.
Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 3, 2011.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Polk Street United Methodist Sanctuary. Burial will follow at Llano Cemetery. Family visitation will be at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia St., Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Life began for Eunice Bassett King in Venus, New Mexico in 1921. Parents were Oscar and Clara May Bassett. Eunice's mother, Clara May, had a rich ancestral heritage and an independent pioneering spirit. She was a descendant of the James Taylor family, who immigrated to America from England in 1660. From this lineage came two Presidents of the United States — James Madison and Zachary Taylor. In 1891, at the age of 1; Clara May's family joined a covered wagon train in Cherokee Co, North Carolina on a transcontinental trek. Clara May's great-grandfather had married Mary, a full-blooded Cherokee Indian and the family moved west to claim a homestead in the Oklahoma Territory. It is there Clara May met and married Oscar Bassett. True to their pioneer spirit, they traveled to the base of the Sandia Mountains about 30 miles east of Albuquerque, N.M., to homestead the land, which was to become the Bassett Ranch.
Eunice described Venus as a rural village of about 50 families. Venus is now known as Edgewood, N.M. Many of the Bassett decedents still reside there. Eunice's five siblings preceded her in death.
As a young girl, Eunice contracted typhoid fever and was hospitalized for six weeks. There she got a glimpse of the work of the doctors and nurses, which kindled in her a great respect and interest in the medical field. As was once written about her "She hasn't really been out of a hospital since."
Upon high school graduation, her career plan was solid in her mind. Her dream of becoming a nurse brought her to Amarillo in 1939, to attend Northwest Texas Hospital School of Nursing. The school she later would Dean.
Nursing school was tough. Less than half of each nursing class graduated, but Eunice prevailed and even found time for some social life.
On Dec 7, 1941, she along with other students were attending a movie at the Paramount Theater, when a bulletin was flashed on the screen announcing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This changed the lives and plans of many young men, doctors, and nurses. Many answered the call to join the Armed Forces and immediately deployed. This embedded in her mind the critical problem a nursing shortage can create. Therefore, she dedicated her career to making certain the panhandle could produce high-quality nurses. This was accomplished by creating regional and interinstitutional programs in nursing education and other allied fields.
During this time, she met and married Turner King. They briefly relocated to Roswell, N.M., where he was stationed during World War II. There she worked in the hospital as a charge nurse on the Ob/Gyn Floor and later as the chief Nurse in the Outpatient clinic. When her husband was deployed to Korea, she moved to California, where she was a nurse to the movie stars.
Following World War II, the Kings moved back to Amarillo, and Eunice began her long association with Northwest Texas Hospital. Her 40-year career at Northwest saw her rise through the ranks. She continued growing professionally and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Education from West Texas State University, and did post graduate study in Administration and psychiatric/mental health nursing at the University of Texas. She completed additional postgraduate study in administration and management at the University of Texas and Texas A&M University.
During her years as director of the Northwest Texas School of Nursing, the school enrollment grew from 55 to 348 students, and became the largest diploma school in the state of Texas. Eunice was a positive force in developing a Licensed Vocational Nurse Program and the Associate Degree Program in Nursing at Amarillo College.
She was also instrumental in launching the Baccalaureate Program and a Master's Program in Nursing at West Texas State University. It was here she served as dean of the Department of Nursing for four years. Her career with the Amarillo Hospital District included: Director of Nursing, Director of the School of Nursing, administrator of the Division of Professional Patient Services and Education, administrator of the Division of Mental Health Services and Education, and as acting executive director in 1973 and 1982. She co-authored nursing textbooks that were published both nationally and internationally. In 1986, Eunice retired after 40 active years in the health care field.
The Eunice King Scholarship at Amarillo College was established in her honor at retirement, which has furthered the education of many nursing students in the area. Eunice did not consider "retirement" a valid word in her vocabulary. She saw it as a time to move on to other pursuits. She served as a visiting professor at several universities in the state, presented workshops on management, and various motivational programs, Eunice was instrumental in establishing two different programs in Amarillo, with the common goal of promoting independent living for the handicapped and elderly.
She earned a national award for her role in developing the Amarillo Multi-Service Center for Aging, which includes the Jan Werner Adult Day Care Center. After that, Eunice established the Widow Persons Service, a division of the AARP for Amarillo, where she served as the president.
Meanwhile, Eunice was also president of a family corporation, which developed residential and commercial subdivisions on her parents original homestead in New Mexico.
Eunice's contributions and achievements are numerous. Local highlights include: Amarillo Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi's Woman of the Year in 1965, Texas Panhandle Distinguished Service Award 1976, Amarillo Women's Network Career Achievement Award in 1983, Amarillo Globe-Times Woman of the Year 1984, President of Chamber of Commerce Women's Division, and a loyal advocate for Meals on Wheels.
Statewide level achievements include: Appointed to the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas by Gov. John Connally and served a 6-year term, and then reappointed by Gov. Preston Smith for another 6-year term. She served as president of the state board for two terms. In 1965 she was elected President of Texas League for Nursing.
Achievements at the national level include: Elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 1976, the only nurse at that time in the Panhandle to receive this honor, appointed to the National League for Nursing Board of Review for Accrediting Nursing Programs, appointed to U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Grants Review Committee, recipient of the National League for Nurses "Community Long Term Care Award," and was listed in "Who's Who in American Nursing."
In addition to her professional career, she maintained a full personal life which included her family, friends, PEO group, and many volunteer and nursing associates. She was a lifetime member of Polk Street United Methodist Church, and a member and teacher of the Susanna Wesley class.
From the simple beginnings of a young RN to a full life of accomplishments, Eunice remained unchanged — a nurturer, innovator, educator, administrator, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed.
Memorial contributions can be made to "Eunice King Scholarship Fund" — Amarillo College Nursing Program A.C. Foundation, P.O. Box 447, Amarillo, TX 79178; Amarillo Meals on Wheels, 219 W. Seventh Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101; or Nursing, Former Faculty Endowment Fund, WTAMU, Box 60969, Canyon, TX 79016.
Preceded in death by her husband, Turner King, in 1985; and five siblings.
Survived by her two daughters, Kathy Farber and husband Larry of Amarillo and Janet Patterson and husband Larry of Edmond, Okla.; her six grandchildren, Paige Pryor and husband Matt of Edmond, Matthew Patterson and wife Julie of Bloomington, Ill., Karie Crowley and husband Justin of Amarillo, Kellie Rogers and husband Mason of Amarillo, Gregory Farber and wife Leila of Fort Worth, and Grant Farber and wife Brandi of Amarillo; and nine great-grandchildren.
Sign the online guest book at www.schoolerfuneralhome.com.
Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 3, 2011.
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