Sidney Wilfred King, Jr. was born on March 1, 1954 to the union of Sidney Wilfred King, Sr.* and Ellenda Webster* in Monrovia, Liberia. Both preceded him in death.
Sidney spent his early years in Greenville in Sinoe County where he lived with his paternal Aunt, Delsena King Draper*. He completed primary and a portion of elementary school before relocating back to Monrovia in 1967. Sidney live with his mother and three siblings upon his return to Monrovia. He continued his education at the Methodist Elementary School in Sinkor, Liberia. He attended CWA (College of West Africa), a junior high school in Monrovia. He later attended High School at the Konola Academy in Konola, Liberia. Upon graduation from high school, he enrolled at the University of Liberia.
While he was enrolled at the University of Liberia, he also worked with the Liberian Inaugural as its General Manager. He continued with that organization until he migrated to the United States of America in 1986. He lived in Jersey City, NJ until moving his family to the neighboring town of Bayonne, NJ in 1998. He and Lydia then moved to Carteret, NJ in 2018.
He married his childhood sweetheart, life partner and soulmate Lydia Harmon on August 25, 1990. This union was blessed with three children: Sidney Wilfred King, III, Lionel Warwick King and Annie Jane King.
Sidney enjoyed watching sports. He rooted for the NY Giants and was also a fan of Michael Jordan and the Bulls in the 90’s. He was always well dressed and it was rare to see him not in a full suit. One of his favorite pass times was talking to his family. He especially enjoyed facetime calls with his daughter Annie usually to say hi or just to see if she was staying safe. Prior to her passing Sidney would make sure he made time to see his mother. He would also make time to visit his niece Racheal and her sons Devin and Reece.Some of his prouder moments included the; birth of his granddaughter Raven, Sidney III’s Marine Induction, Lionel’s college graduation and Annie’s undergrad and master program completions. The thing he was most proud of was his long-time friendship and love for his wife and best friend Lydia. Their friendship goes back to the 2nd grade.
For decades he was a leader at the Church of the Incarnation in Jersey City, New Jersey. Sidney served in countless roles. The latest before the closing of the church, was as Senior Warden from 2006 to 2017. He also was: Chair of the Stewardship Committee, the Directory Committee, the Newsletter Committee, the Church Anniversary Committee, Chair of the Kids2Camp Summer program, vestry member, President of the Men’s Guild, Junior Warden (prior to being elected Senior Warden), Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Sidney was awarded many accolades such as: Man of Year for the Church of the Incarnation, The Clara Horsley Leadership Award and a host of other awards given by Incarnation and the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. He worked tirelessly to guide the Church of the Incarnation during some challenging years and was instrumental in forging the recent unification with neighboring St. Paul’s Church.
Sidney was one of the founders of Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation. Today it is known as the Garden State Episcopal CDC. He helped guide the organization as it grew to serve increasing numbers of Hudson County’s poorest people. He was served on the board and as treasurer until the Lord called him home.
Sidney never said “no” to ministry and was always willing to open the church doors to serve others. He was always eager to be out in the community sharing the love of Christ. Sidney also found time to share his skills with the Diocese of Newark. He served on the Department of Missions, ACTS/VIM Fund Board, the Ward J. Herbert Fund Board, Diocesan Council, Cathedral Chapter, the Union of Black Episcopalians and as a Deputy to General Convention. In each case, Sidney was never interested in simply filling a seat. He brought devotion, preparation and a willingness to share his experience, insight and point of view.
Quietly and privately, Sidney offered loving care to his fellow parishioners by making hospital visits, check in calls, giving rides, running errands and so much more. He was especially devoted to another Jersey City Episcopal giant, the late Eugenia Suthern. He and his wife cared dearly for her in her last years. Sidney’s encouragement towards his fellow parishioners was unmatched. Many were delighted to hear his voice on parish prayer telephone calls telling everyone to "Be safe all."
In his professional life, he held several different careers while getting settled here in the USA. He was employed by BJ’s Wholesale Club as a Food Inventory Supervisor until 1988. He also held a position on the at the former Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands in New Jersey. In 1990, Sidney became the supervisor of the Passport Division of Hudson County. Later in his career until his untimely passing, Sidney held the position of Supervisor of the Division of Archives and Records. Management for the Hudson County Clerk’s Office. He was also the longtime President of the Supervisors Union Local 22.
A loving Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and friend in Christ. Sidney as you would say “Love you always”, you will surely be missed.
Sidney is survived by his: Dear Wife, Lydia K Harmon King; Children: Sidney Wilfred King III, Lionel Warwick King and Annie Jane King; Aunt: Johnette King; Sisters: Massa Davis, Louiza Reeves-Freeman (Daniel), Precious Dixon-Nicol and Delsenia King-Russ, Granddaughter: Raven Elise King; Nieces: Racheal Fosu, Siatta Davis, Joycelyn Ellenwood(Garfield), Demetria Jones (Maurice); Nephews: Adrian Harris(Aimee) and Olatunde Nicol; Grand-nieces: Charliece Davis, Diamond Ellenwood and Avery Jones; Grandnephews: Lee Gray Jr, Devin Fosu, Reece Fosu and Chadwick Ellenwood; Great-grandnieces: Samiyah Callahan and Aubree Brown; Great-grandnephew: Nehemiah Callahan.
Relatives: Allen Family: Ernest Allen, William Allen, Florence Allen and Arenzechuku Allen; King Family: Wilmont L. Harmon Sr., Victoria King Rich, Christine King Taylor, Emerson King, Jacob N. King Jr., Derrick King, Pickney W. King Jr., Alfred D.King(Quady), Arthur Nickerson; Draper Family: Daniel Draper III, Richmond Draper(Elsa), Delsena Draper, Laura Draper Pace, Fitzgerald Draper, Candace Draper; Dunbar Family: Lawrence Dunbar (Elizabeth), Elka Dunbar, George Dunbar and Gary Dunbar; Ammons Family: Williametta Ammons, Ursula Ammons, Victor Ammons and Telfer Ammons; Smythe Family: Hardenia Smythe, Siatta Smythe, Joyce Smythe, Gertrude Smythe and Bindu Smythe Cooper; White Family: Henrietta White Coleman, Marie Oorschot-White and Nathan White.
Brother-in-laws: Hilary Harmon, Henrique Harmon(Florence), Henry Harmon and Rev. John Harmon(Keeva) and and a host of other relatives and friends.
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