Ayesha Taila-Theresa King, or “Esha” as she was affectionately known to her family and friends, was born on August 9, 1981, to the late Leroy D. and Sandra M. King in Trenton, NJ. She earned her wings at her home on June 8, 2023, at the very young age of 41.

Esha was educated in the Trenton and Ewing Township Public School Systems. She graduated from Ewing High School in June of 1999. Shortly after graduating, she became licensed as a New Jersey Board Certified Cosmetologist. Esha worked as a daycare provider and hairdresser. She was also employed for 21 years by Verizon Communications, holding various positions, including Business Operations Senior Analyst, Construction Control Manager, and Data Analyst specializing in Business Intelligence. Esha earned several business certificates in Project Management, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Computer Software Analytics and real estate. Later in life, she attended the University of Phoenix and Western Governors University -majoring in Business Administration and Marketing Management. Esha built several small businesses including makeup artistry, cosmetic retailer, and property management.

Esha was a faithful member and servant at Change Church in Ewing, New Jersey for many years. Prior to joining Change Church, she was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Joshua and Margaret Benning and special cousins, Herman and Constance “Connie” English.

Esha leaves to cherish precious memories to her four sons, Azhan Kayin Adonis Smith, James Ayrion and Jadon Adriel–Michael Coakley; and Mufeed Kwe Hall; father of her son Azhan, Akio; mother, Sandra King; bonus son, Donte Lamar Gentry Jr.; two brothers and one sister, Omar Benning, Kevin Benning, Porsha King; six nieces; six nephews; six great nieces; two great nephews; “Day-ones”, Fatima Kidd, Ivan Thorpe, Rosalind Bethea, and Lisa Baylor; special cousin, Darnell Peterson; special aunt, Betty Benning; special uncle, James “Jimmy” Winters (Joanne); and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and true friends.

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