ATLANTA — A memorial service and celebration of life have been announced for Naomi King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s sister-in-law and family matriarch.
Naomi King married Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s younger brother, Rev. Alfred Daniel (A.D.) King, in 1950. Since A.D.'s passing in 1969, his wife has kept his legacy with a foundation in his name. The A.D. King Foundation's work is dedicated to empowering youth and women in nonviolent social change.
In addition to creating the foundation in her husband's name and standing by her brother-in-law during his fight for equality and freedom, she also set her own example of courage in the face of injustice, all while embracing her role as First Lady of churches her husband pastored.
According to a release and an obituary by Willie Watkins Funeral Home, a private memorial service for loved ones will be held on Friday, March 15, at 6 p.m.
In addition, there will be a celebration of life this Saturday, March 16, at 4 p.m. It will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church Heritage Sanctuary. The address is 407 Auburn Ave. in Atlanta.
The program will include loved ones' reflections, special musical tributes and clips from a documentary about King called "The Butterfly Queen: From Tragedy to Peace." Butterflies will also be released in front of the King Center after the service, according to a release.
Both gatherings will be live-streamed and accessed on the funeral home's website. The family is requesting any donations to be made to the A.D. Foundation as an alternative to flowers.
Naomi King's passing comes shortly after the family loss of Dexter Scott King, the son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Dr. Christine King Farris, MLK's sister. She is survived by her daughter, Alveda King, her son, Derek King, and several grandchildren.