Scholarship established for Mount Hope grads

The family and friends of Connie King have established the Connie Louise McComb King Memorial Scholarship. Connie was diagnosed with uterine cancer in October 2008, and died Aug. 12, 2009. She was 62 years old.

Connie was born in Beckley, the daughter of the late Earl and Irene Beverage McComb. She graduated from Mount Hope High School in 1965 and married Dennis King. They lived in Covington, Va., and raised two daughters. Dawn and her husband Tony Lewis, and Tiffany and her husband Mike Sanders all reside in Covington.

Prior to her death, Connie expressed an interest in starting a scholarship that would benefit a female Mount Hope High School graduate. Her husband, daughters and two cousins, Raleigh County residents Dorothy Crouch and Jacquie McPeake, are fulfilling Connie’s wish.

Connie was a woman of accomplishment who made a difference in the lives of many others. Since 1990, she owned and operated Chapman Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. She was a member of the Covington Business and Professional Women’s Club and received their Community Achievement Award in 2001.

She was named to Who’s Who among Executive and Professionals for 2004-2005. A lifetime member of the Westvaco Rescue Squad Ladies Auxiliary, she served as its president several times.

Connie was a member of the Covington Woman’s Club for 29 years. She was a Girl Scout leader for both Junior and Senior troops, Service Unit Chairman and Chair of the Gold Award Committee for the Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Council. She received the Thanks Badge, the highest award given to adults by the Girl Scouts.

Connie was also a 25-year volunteer for the Red Cross, and belonged to both the Alleghany Historical Society and the C&O; Historical Society.

A deacon of the Edgemont Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Connie served on various church committees and was treasurer of Presbyterian Mission Week for several years.

Connie was a 16-year breast cancer survivor who always considered life’s opportunities rather than succumbing to its challenges. She delighted in her family, served her community, grew her business and loved traveling with her husband, Dennis.

As Connie wished, this permanent endowment will produce income for a need-based scholarship for students graduating from Mount Hope High School. Preference shall be given to female applicants who are pursuing a business degree or a career or vocation considered to be non-traditional for women. Selection of the recipients shall be made by a family committee with input from the high school guidance department.

The donors are utilizing BAF’s “Building over Time” option. Anyone can make additional gifts to this fund in any amount. Make checks payable to BAF-Connie King Scholarship and mail to Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801. The family will be notified of all gifts without reference to the amount. Donations are fully tax deductible.

Contact BAF, 304-253-3806 or funds@beckleyareafoundation.com for more information.

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