Maria Alicia King passed away peacefully at her home on June 8, 2026, at the age of 77. Alicia was born on March 16, 1949, in Robstown, Texas, to Candido and Adelfa Alaniz.

She is survived by her four children: Laura A. King of Corpus Christi, Texas; Alfred (Anabel) King of San Antonio, Texas; Tracy (Rick) Benavides of San Antonio, Texas; and Glenda (Mike) Montgomery of New Braunfels, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Steven King, Blake Benavides, Rilee (Rene) Recio Perez, Erin Benavides, Jacob King, Matthew King, Vivienne Montgomery, and Michael Montgomery Jr.; her sisters Maria Anita Alaniz of Refugio, Texas, Diana Roy of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Zulema McShane of Corpus Christi, Texas; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Alicia was preceded in death by her parents, Candido and Adelfa Alaniz; her sisters Adelfa Anzaldua, Candelaria Guevara, Ramona Palacios, and Petra Almarez; and her brothers Juan Alaniz and Candido Alaniz Jr.

Mom had a deep love for her family, humor, and music. She shared a unique relationship with each of her children. Laura was her best friend, the one she could share everything with. Alfred, her only son, she loved to spoil him with her homemade tortillas and carne guisada. Tracy was her rock—she knew she could always count on her. Glenda was her baby, the one who could always make her laugh.

Alicia kept an open door for everyone she loved, and several people lived with her or the family over the years. She showed her love through baking—birthday cakes, wedding cakes, or “just because” cakes—taking great care with every handmade detail in the frosting. If you received one of her cakes, you knew you had her love.

She worked for several years at Strickland’s Restaurant in Falfurrias, where she truly loved her boss, coworkers, and customers. To her, it wasn’t just a job—it was a second home filled with friends.

Every day began with the radio playing loudly as Mom danced around the kitchen making breakfast. She sang with her whole heart (even if not always in tune) and taught all of us to dance in the kitchen—mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Music was the soul of our home and her life.

The grandkids were her greatest joy. They could always bring a smile to her face, and she was incredibly proud of each of them.

In her final years, Mom made wonderful friends at her residence who brought her laughter and joy (and plenty of cookies). Her last days were filled with surprise visits from loved ones. She was happy and at peace when her time came.

We will forever love her and miss her. We love you, Mom.