Marlys "JoJo" Elaine King

Marlys “JoJo” Elaine King, age 69, began her journey to the spirit world on July 4, 2026 in Red Lake, MN.

Marlys was born on June 16, 1957 to Peter Alkewanzie and Margaret “Helen” Benaise (Smith) in Red Lake, MN. JoJo grew up in Red Lake, but lived in Nett Lake with her husband, Melvin King, and three children. Later, she moved back home to Red Lake and had five more children. She had an adventurous spirit and lived her life to the fullest. JoJo loved to cook and always made sure everyone had enough to eat. She liked to take rides, especially to the casino. She was very generous and took good care of those she loved. JoJo had a good sense of humor and her laugh will be missed.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children Terry King, Michael King, Renae King, David King, Darren Benais and Douglas King; special granddaughter that she raised Desirae King; grandchildren Robert and Jessica Smith; sisters Marilyn (Tom) Littlecreek, Merceline White, Marsha (Ringo) Needham, Marla Benaise; brother Morris Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews, who she loved dearly.

Those she is reunited with are her parents Margaret “Helen” Benaise and Peter Alkewanzie; and children Marissa Benaise, Tamera Benais and Jean “Lady Bug” King.

A wake will begin at 1 PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Old Little Rock Center and will continue until the service at 1 PM on Monday, July 13, 2026 with Father Tom Niehaus.

Active Pallbearers will be Bill Thunder, Dan Wells, Clinton Donnell, Dominic Needham Jr, Ringo Needham, Daniel White Sr, Frank Gurno, Geoffry Pierre, Antonio Gayton, Angelo Hart, Patrick Green.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Melba Roy, Cheryl Thunder, Michelle Barrett Cobenais, Mary Omen, Tiffany Packineau, Cody Packineau, Janis Hart, Jennifer Hart, Lisa White, Alicia Gurno, St Croix Hospice. Burial will be at St Mary’s Cemetery in Red Lake, MN.  Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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