Apryl Monica King of the Shinnecock Nation Dies July 21

Apryl Monica King was born on March 14, 1966 in Brooklyn NY to Martha and Robert King Jr. Apryl grew up on Shinnecock and days were spent joyfully celebrating her childhood with many friends and family. When she was young, she spent her days trying to keep up with her brother Randy on his motorcycle! She also spent days chasing after her little brother Jason in the woods after he set off firecrackers when he was just told not to! Playing outside and just being a “ Rez-Girl,” she was passionate about her home—Shinnecock! She loved her people! She looked forward to coming home each year for her annual Shinnecock Pow wow where she would sit on her deck overlooking Shinnecock Bay, watching the deer and all the other wildlife she so loved. Apryl was known for her contagious laughter, Apryl and the word “ giggling “ went hand and hand. She was kind, generous, thoughtful and giving —Apryl was one-of-a-kind with a heart of gold; she was a very unique soul, and anyone who came in contact with her found that out very fast! Everyone who knew her loved her, I mean everyone!! One of those people you will never forget. Apryl gave with all of her heart and soul. She was the most genuine and sweet person that you could meet and will be missed by so many. She made a difference in the world for sure! Many people may not know that she also won prizes in horse shows! She was an animal and nature lover to the core! She’d help stray animals, once even helping a homeless lady and her cat. She bought her a bag of food for herself and of course couldn’t forget the kitty cat! She bought a case of food for him too! Her dream was to one day return home to Shinnecock to open an animal rescue, she spoke of that dream very often! While home on Shinnecock, she loved sitting on her deck with her cup of coffee watching the deer and other wild life in her back yard.

What was amazing about Apryl, she had friends from 4 years old to 97 years old, young and old and from all walks of life. Her energy was special and it drew you to her she loved jokes and playing pranks. Apryl was the best hostess of them all and boy could she throw a party!! She was definitely a party girl. Though she truly loved Miami and the Miami life, Shinnecock was her heart! Apryl was a Shinnecock Warrior and she always knew that Shinnecock Nation was her true home!

Apryl attended Southampton Public Schools, graduating in 1984. She then attended Miami Dade Community College, where she excelled in Business Office Management, eventually obtaining her Associates Degree. After settling in Miami, Apryl took a job at the Miccosukee Casino in the hospitality division, eventually moving on to the Seminole Hardrock in Hollywood, Florida. It was here that Apryl developed the most loving, lifelong friendships with many who grew to become more like family to her.

Apryl King passed peacefully on the morning of July 21, 2023. She was predeceased by her mother Martha J. King, along with her brother Jason King. Apryl is survived by her father, Robert King, son Robert Paredes, brother Randy King, sister-in-law Nora King, aunts Barbara Gregory, Lillian Gardner, and Christine King, uncles Robert Gregory and Dennis King, cousins Wendy Gardner Arrindell, Dawn Smith, Brian Evans, Troy Gardner, Alan and Chris Gregory, Robert King and Kimberly Voisin . Apryl is also mourned by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, aunties, uncles and her Florida family who she loved and will truly miss her tremendously! We will all see you again Apryl!