April 24, 2003 – Former First Lady Agnes Agatha Schuster King died Wednesday at Roy L. Schneider Hospital at the age of 83.
She was the wife of the late Gov. Cyril E. King, the territory's second elected governor, who served as chief executive from 1975 until his death in 1978. The couple was married on Aug. 23, 1946, in Christiansted.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull in a release described Agnes King as a dear friend and close neighbor. He said she was "a strong-willed woman" who worked hard in the areas of charity, volunteerism, beautification and restoration. He commended her for having transformed many public and private spaces into lovely gardens.
Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards said in a release that he "greatly admired her commitment to the restoration and beautification of government properties and to various parks and public gardens. It is indeed fitting that the garden in front of Government House on St. Thomas was named 'The First Lady's Garden' in her honor."
That designation was made by the 24th Legislature in recognition of her beautification, conservation and historic preservation efforts.
Turnbull said King initiated tours of Government House on both St. Thomas and St. Croix, a practice that continues today.
Richards said noted that after her tenure as First Lady, King "remained committed to expanding appreciation for the cultural and historical influences of our government buildings by organizing tours and lectures of historic dwellings. Due to her vision, this tradition is continued by the St. Croix Landmarks Society's home tours."
King received the Clara Barton Bronze Medal and a written commendation from President Bill Clinton for more than 45 years of service to the American Red Cross.
Turnbull and Richards both extended their sympathy to her daughter, Lillia, and the King, Schuster and deChabert families.
Services will be announced.
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