Camella Sue King (Dexter), an ordained minister, dedicated educator, and beloved matriarch, passed away, leaving a profound legacy of faith, service, and love. She transitioned peacefully at 67 years of age.

September 13, 1958 - May 24, 2026

On September 13, 1958, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, Camella was born - a cherished daughter of Thomas Leroy Dexter and Bobbie Sue Parker (formerly Mosley). She grew up in Omaha, graduating from Central High School before pursuing higher education in Colorado. Deeply committed to learning, she earned degrees from the University of Colorado at Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver.

As the eldest of her siblings, she set a great example for her sisters. As the child of a military member, she moved often, but her family eventually settled in Omaha, where she graduated from Central High School. As a child, she enjoyed music, competitive bowling, and ice skating. She was proficient at a number of skills such as sewing, cooking, hair care, typing, and developed an exquisite taste in clothing, accessories, and home goods. Her mother would often mention her attentiveness and ability to listen. She was protective of her little sisters and all those that she loved–willing to defend them from harm by any means.

She met the love of her life, Leonard, on a night on the town. He was “in love at first sight asking for her on a date to attend his grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. On November 4, 1978, Camella married her devoted husband, Leonard Lee King, Jr. Together, they built a life rooted in family and community leadership. Their union was blessed with two children, Stephanie and Leonard III. Leonard and Camella celebrated 47 years of marriage. Camella’s greatest joy was her family. Her legacy survives through her loving husband, Leonard Lee King, Jr.; her two children, Stephanie Thompson (William) of Chino, California, and Leonard Lee King, III (Salina) of Lakewood, Colorado; and her two sisters, Yolanda Davis (Regi) and Cassandra Jackson (Jesse). She was the proud grandmother to four beautiful granddaughters: Soleil Nzinga Thompson, Olivia Thompson, Camille Thompson, and Evelyn Salazar King.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bobbie Sue Parker and Thomas Leroy Dexter.

As an educator and professional, Camella touched countless lives through her work at Tulakes Elementary School, the Academy of Advanced Learning, and Red Rocks Community College. She earned two undergraduate degrees, a Masters in her study of Sociology, and membership to Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She had a passion for learning and education. All this while gracefully fulfilling her commitment to the duties of her role as a supportive wife and nurturing mother. Camella excelled as an educator, and her students loved her. She dedicated her latest year of teaching 2nd grade at Tulakes Elementary.

Beyond her professional achievements, she answered a higher calling as an ordained minister. Her personality was witty and honest. She approached any task meticulously and with great intuition and intelligence. Camella was often a beacon of light to any room and often led our family in gathering for celebrations and prayer. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she served faithfully across multiple congregations, including Heritage Christian Center (Denver, CO), Hope City Church of Colorado (Aurora, CO) as an Ordained Minister, and Peoples Church (Oklahoma City, OK).

Well done, good and faithful servant.