Martin Luther King Jr.’s Eldest & Only Living Sibling, Dr. Willie Christine King Farris, Passes Away At 95

Dr. Willie Christine King Farris, Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Eldest & Only Living Sibling, Dr. Willie Christine King Farris, Passes Away At 95

Prayers to the family and friends of Dr. Willie Christine King Farris.

According to reports, the renowned educator and sister to late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. transitioned from life earlier today (June 29th) at the age of 95.

Reverend Bernice King, daughter of the famed Dr. Martin Luther King, reportedly shared the news via Twitter, wiring:

“Dr. Christine King Farris. An extraordinary educator. My father’s sister. One of the co-laborers with my mother in founding The King Center. Phenomenal Woman. Inspiring Human. She survived and thrived. I love you, Aunt Christine. I will always cherish you. I will miss you.”

Willie Christine King Farris, Bernice King

Her brother, Martin Luther King III, also remembered his late aunt, sharing in a statement:

“Aunt Christine embodied what it meant to be a public servant. Like my dad, she spent her life fighting for equality and against racism in America….we know the Lord is welcoming her with open arms, alongside my parents and the rest of her family. We will truly miss my Aunt, but know that she leaves behind a tremendous legacy that will outlive us all and we commit to carrying that legacy on for future generations.”

Willie Christine King Farris is remembered by many who knew and loved her as being a passionate teacher, committed to fostering the next generation. She was born Sept. 11, 1927, in Atlanta to Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Christine Williams King. Farris was the oldest of two siblings Martin and Alfred Daniel (aka AD), who passed in 1969. Reportedly, Farris married her husband Isaac Newton Farris in August 1960. The couple reportedly had two children, Isaac Newton Jr. and Angela Christine.

A Spelman graduate who served on the campus for 50 years, Farris was also well known for her involvement with the King Center. Reportedly, she worked closely alongside her sister-in-law Coretta Scott King in building it to maintain Martin’s teachings of nonviolent resistance. One report notes words that Farris shared about her relationship with Coretta at her funeral services in 2006, reading:

“There are no words to capture Coretta Scott King. My sister, my friend, my confidante. Years of sharing and trials made Coretta as close to me as any blood sister could be,”

Coretta Scott King

In addition, Farris was known for her dedicated and “dignified” presence at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she was a devout member and where her grandfather and father also preached. We continue to keep all those who loved her in our thoughts and prayers.

[VIA]

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