Obituaries

Zelina Tamara King (née Hodges), 51, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her home. Born July 23, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia. Zelina lived a life filled with love, strength, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those around her.

Zelina proudly served four years in the United States Army, earning the nickname “The Sergeant,” a title that stayed with her throughout life. She later worked as a clerk for the Campbell County Kentucky Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, where coworkers quickly became friends through her caring spirit, wisdom, and willingness to help anyone in need.

Zelina was more than just the standard. She embodied the very essence of being a mother, sister, wife, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend. Her presence was both angelic and powerful, you always knew when Zelina was around, and no one wanted her to leave. She made an unforgettable impact on everyone she met and had a way of instantly comforting those around her. No matter what was going on, people knew she would handle it.

She always had an answer, a solution, or words of encouragement to offer. If someone needed clarity, advice, or simply a listening ear, Zelina was there. Even if she had already settled in for the evening with a movie, she would still call back, stay on the phone, and make everyone smile. She was stubborn at times, as her loved ones lovingly recall, but she always got the job done and made sure the people she cared about were taken care of.

Zelina loved deeply and paid attention to the needs of others, often knowing exactly what someone needed before they even had to ask. She would simply smile and say, “I know, I got it boo.” Whether family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers, Zelina never withheld her kindness, warmth, or “magic.” Even through life’s many challenges, she carried herself with grace and strength, always smiling and never wanting others to worry.

Her family says that phrases like “deeply missed” and “truly loved” hardly measure up to the incredible woman she was. Zelina lived fully, and her spirit continues through the countless lives she touched and rooted herself in. THE SERGEANT HAS CHECKED IN! As she would proudly say, “Gon and get it done stinky booty.”

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Banks.

Zelina is survived by her beloved husband of nineteen years, Kenneth A. King; her children, Tashi Gay and Andra Ingram Jr.; her stepchildren, Ebony (San) Pathak, Shannon Page, and Ashley King; her mother, Senora Hodges (née Bradley); her sisters, Chicquita A. Bradley, Lynnette A. Mack, and Yvette D. Hodges; and her step-grandchildren, Elijah Pathak, Haliyah Pathak, Eden Pathak, Havanah Pathak, and Makiyah Jones.

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Alexandria Funeral Home.