Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King

DR. NAOMI RUTH BARBER KING (RUTH 1:16; 4:13) SUNRISE: NOVEMBER 17, 1931 | SUNSET: MARCH 7, 2024

CELEBRATING HER LIFE AND LEGACY

NOVEMBER 17, 1931 - MARCH 7, 2024 SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2024 4:00 PM EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH HERITAGE SANCTUARY 407 AUBURN AVENUE, NE | ATLANTA, GA 30312

Born in Dothan, Alabama on November 17, 1931, Naomi Ruth Barber King was destined to become a woman of quiet dignity, strength and support to her husband, her family and the world around her. Naomi would come to walk in the grace and distinction of her beloved butterflies, and acquire the noted title of the "Butterfly Queen."

Like the butterfly, Mrs. King brought beauty and joy to everyone around her. Colorful and talented, she used her creativity to handle the most difficult tasks, and managed to put those near her at ease in the process. "Jesus is my anchor, and I praise God for His love and blessings," she often proclaimed.

In the early days of her life, Naomi was raised by her mother Bessie Barber. They moved to Atlanta to "make a better living" for themselves. "Mama Bessie" spared nothing for the upbringing of her daughter. Thanks to the generosity of her mother’s employers, Naomi wore the finest clothes, observed the most admired social graces and received the best education possible for her times.

Bessie and Naomi joined Ebenezer Baptist Church and began to grow spiritually under the pastorate of Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. and his wife, Mrs. Alberta Williams King. Naomi got to know their children, and caught the eye of their youngest son, Alfred Daniel Williams King (A.D.). As a young woman, Naomi was charming, graceful, willowy, and beautiful.

She stood out in a crowd, and was often selected by local clothing stores as a preferred fashion model, earning for her the distinct honor of being featured in shop windows and circulars right along with "white" counterparts. Later, photographs of Naomi and her children would also appear in prominent Atlanta photographers' galleries.

In 1949, Naomi entered Spelman College, where she spent a year studying French, a period that also marked the blossoming of a wonderful "love story" between her and A.D. Williams King. Recalling this time with fondness, Naomi remembered how A.D. affectionately called her "Neenie." Their courtship led to marriage in 1950, after which she continued her education at the University of Alabama, studying interior design.

Together, Naomi and A.D. welcomed five children into their lives: Alveda C. King, Alfred Daniel Williams King II, Esther Darlene King, Derek B. King, and Vernon King.

Throughout her remarkable life, Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King was not only a devoted mother and the cherished First Lady alongside her husband, Rev. A.D. King, but also a beacon of inspiration and support in the communities they served. She gracefully served the congregations of First Baptist Church in Newman, Georgia; First Baptist Church Ensley in Alabama; Zion Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky; and Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Her contributions went beyond the walls of their home, as she hosted musical concerts and women's enrichment programs, providing invaluable tools for living that resonated with those she touched.

Together with her husband, Naomi played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, standing firm in support of Martin Luther King Jr. during seminal moments such as Rosa Parks' arrest in 1955, the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, the student-led sit-in movement in 1960, the intense Birmingham campaign of 1963, the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in the same year, and the vital Selma voting rights campaign in 1965.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR DR. NAOMI RUTH BARBER KING Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Historic west end chapel March 15, 2024 at 6:00pm

Prelude..............................................................................................................................................................Mr. Jarvis Wilson Processional................................................................................................................................... “In The Garden” Music Video Opening Remarks........................................................................................................................Mr. Nick Stonestreet, Friend Prayer................................................................................................................ Rev. Olivia D.A. Maxwell, Ebenezer Baptist Church Reflection and Scripture Reading... .....................Ruth 1:16; 4:13..........Dr. Babs Onabanjo, President A.D. King Foundation Congregational Hymn................................................... “ It Is Well” .................................................Ms. Farris C. Watkins REFLECTIONS Kevin and Mary McDermott Josetta Shropshire November Birth Month Club Gwendolyn Morgan

Video Tribute Love Medley featuring Tamika Patton and Rahni Song

REFLECTIONS Lionel Meyers Trina Baynes Robbie Maxie Alta Williams

Congregational Hymn................................................. “Precious Lord” .........................................Maestro Kenneth Lowe Mr. Jarvis Wilson, Accompanist REFLECTIONS Desireé Robinson Annetta Ellis Kenya Barber Doris Smith

Congregational Hymn................................................ “Peace Be Still”.............................................Maestro Kenneth Lowe Mr. Jarvis Wilson, Accompanist REFLECTIONS Robin Scott King Janice King Isaac N. Farris

Acknowledgments................................................................................................Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc. Recessional................................................. “This Little Light of Mine”...............Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren Mr. Jarvis Wilson, Accompanist Repast to follow Memorial Service Hattie G. Watkins Complex (Wristband Required for Entry)

Her role extended well beyond the traditional expectations of a First Lady. Naomi was a central figure in her community, offering guidance, wisdom, and a listening ear to many, serving as a trusted confidante, prayer partner, and advisor to Rev. A.D. King. Her strength was tested during the civil rights movement, especially on May 11, 1963, when a bomb devastatingly destroyed their Birmingham home while the family was inside.

This incident, along with the later bombing of their church in Louisville, Kentucky, showcased her incredible strength and steadfast resolve.

On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. This tragedy was soon followed by the suspicious death of King’s husband, A.D., on July 21,1969. King and her children were vacationing in the Caribbean when A.D. was found in their home swimming pool but the family believed that he was murdered.

Dr. Naomi King kept her husband’s memory alive through her establishment of the A.D. King Foundation in 2008, with the primary focus on empowerment of youth and women, entrepreneurship as the engine of economic growth and development, and the advancement of strategies for nonviolent social change.

Mrs. King held awards and special recognitions, such as recipient of the S. C. L. C. Rosa Parks Freedom Award, Hope Worldwide Living Legend Award, A. D. King Foundation: Truth Finder Award, Principled Life Award, Zambians Freedom, Justice and Peace Award, Global Citizens Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, African Leadership Magazine, many proclamations from various states and more. She was featured in the AARP documentary “Voices of Civil Rights", and holds memberships in NAACP, SCLC, SCLC Women, and American Bridge Association.

Celebrating the life and legacy of dr. Naomi Ruth Barber-King EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH HERITAGE SANCTUARY March 16, 2024 at 4:00pm

Prelude................................................................................................................................................................................Mr. Jarvis Wilson Processional...................................................................................................................................................... “In the Garden” Music Video Prayer....................................................................................................................................................................... Nick Stonestreet, Friend Naomi King Documentary, Segment 1 Musical Tribute................................................................... “He Lives In Me”.................................. ................Evangelist Bridget Cruse Naomi King Documentary, Segment 2 Tribute...............................................................................................................................................................................Dr. Babs Onabanjo President, AD King Foundation Naomi King Documentary, Segment 3 Musical Tribute............................................................... “Blessed Assurance” ..........................................................................Eartha Sims Naomi King Documentary, Segment 4 Tribute.........................................................................................................................................................................Jarrett Ellis, Grandson Musical Tribute..................................................................... “Love Medley”.......................................................................Tamika Patton Naomi King Documentary, Segment 5 Tribute.................................................................................................................................................................. Rev. Derek King, Sr., Son Naomi King Documentary, Segment 6 Musical Tribute........................................................................... “Medley”............................................................. K. Renee Robertson Melodically Tribute.................................................................................................................................Milkshake Mayfield, Trumpeter Recessional................................................................................................................................................................ “This Little Light of Mine”

Repast to follow Celebration of Life Fellowship Hall (Wristband Required for Entry)

Naomi was the inspiration of the documentary project A. D. King: Brother to the Dreamer, produced by Dr. Babs Onabanjo. She was an author and spoke out on important issues of the day. She traveled all over the world promoting Youth/Women empowerment, nonviolent social change strategies as a way of life and entrepreneurship as the center core- A Paradigm Shift. She published a book, "A D and ML King: Two Brothers Who Dared To Dream".

Naomi's commitment to her community was matched by her devotion to her family. She relished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, imparting her values and wisdom to the next generations. Her home was a hub of love, learning, and activism, reflecting her belief in the power of family and education.

After 92 remarkable years, Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King, a matriarch of the King family and a celebrated civil rights activist and icon, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 7, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Naomi King will be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and a beacon of light to those in the churches and communities she served. Mrs. King is now in her eternal home in the presence of her Savior; met in Heaven by her husband, Rev. A.D. King; her parents, Mr. Square Reese and Mrs. Bessie Barber Bailey; her daughter, Darlene King; her sons, Alfred King II and Rev. Vernon King; her brotherin-law, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and her sistersin-law, Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Dr. Christine King Farris, and other precious grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Alveda King; her son, Dr. Derek King, Sr.; her ten grandchildren; a host of greatgrandchildren; cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Prophetic Observances During The Heavenly Transition of

November 17, 1931 - March 7, 2024 Hospice Week of March 4-7, 2024 Naomi peacefully worshiped, responding to WORSHIP MUSIC with smiles, raising and waving of hands…

March 5, Naomi smiling, looking into heavenly realms; visibly beginning to release earth suit.

March 7, 4 am - a 4, year old great godson awakens shouting “Nonnie!” Mother asks him, “Do you see Nonnie?” He replies, “Yes and no…”

March 7, around 7:30 am family was notified of the transition.

Soon after, the 2-year-old granddaughter of a family friend says “butterfly” and points to a butterfly from the car window on the way to preschool.

March 10, in church worship services, witnesses observed a glowing light shaped like a butterfly in the house stage light.

March 11, equipment was miraculously restored at the final resting site.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

Psalms 116:15-19 (KJV)

The family of Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber-King extends sincere gratitude for the many expressions of kindness shown during this time of bereavement. Your prayers, floral tributes, cards and other thoughtful gestures have sustained us.

Your presence serves as an anchor as we accept God’s will. Each expression of sympathy is greatly appreciated.

_ A.D. King Foundation Alice Eason Jenkins Alveda King Ministries Babs and Sika Onabanjo Bass Communications Bea Thomas Believers Bible Christian Church Blue Trust Bridget Cruse Brimstone Services Connie F. Smith-Lindsey Clifford Lock Debbie Daniely Eartha Sims Ebenezer Baptist Church Elizabeth Turney Ernie and Tamika Watkins Farris Christine Watkins Gail Brown Hollin Gilda Johnson K. Renee Robertson Lisa Brinson Lionel Meyers Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park Service Marty Smith Michael Vigil Nick and Ronda Stonecrest Noelle Collins Phil Williams Plaid Turtle Raye Fyfe Ruth Malhorta The King Center The William Bremen Jewish Home Wes Morgan Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home

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In Loving Memory of Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King (Dancing)

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The Good Lord saw it fit to send us one of His angels She was to dwell among us She came with her wings and a bright, beautiful smile She was to brighten our sad, gloomy days Yes Mama, I knew there was a reason God placed you in our time, Mother, Mama, Mom, Madre, Mère, Mutter The sweetest name in any language You were a mother to many and you fought for many Obedient to God, and thus, you were blessed Blessed enough to create a beloved community Love, Patience, humility, perseverance, forgiveness, you taught us, Your love was always plenty.

You were the epitome of strength, your wings never failed They flew in any storm in your own special way, You taught us faith and conviction, sometimes, you did not have to say a word Your smile shined so bright and guided us through all adversity.

Mission accomplished oh great mother Blessed is your offspring, your great-grandchildren, They get to see your new wings God has given you everlasting peace Fly Butterfly Queen, fly Wear your crown, you have earned your butterfly wings.

Forever imprinted in our hearts Sleep in the arms of Jesus Christ, Queen.

By: Sikangezile P. Zulu-Onabanjo