RUTH (1:16 & 4:13)
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.
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.
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 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 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; sons, Alfred King II and Rev. Vernon King; her brother Luther King Jr.; and her sisters 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 great cousins, nieces, and nephews.
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
REFLECTIONS
Robin Scott King
Janice King
Isaac N. Farris
Mr. Jarvis Wilson, Accompanist
Acknowledgments................................................................................................Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home, Inc.
Recessional................................................. “This Little Light of Mine”...............Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Repast to follow Memorial Service
Hattie G. Watkins Complex (Wristband Required for Entry)
Mr. Jarvis Wilson, Accompanist