Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Christine King Farris Obituary
"Our family mourns the passing of my aunt, Willie Christine King Farris," said Martin Luther King III. "As the eldest sibling of my father, Martin Luther King Jr., 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."
Willie Christine King was born Sept. 11, 1927, to Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Christine Williams King into one of Atlanta's leading Black families.
Her grandfather, Adam Daniel Williams, was the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church and the first president of Atlanta's NAACP chapter.
Her father, "Daddy" King later assumed control of the church and emerged as one of Atlanta's most powerful Black figures, fighting for equal pay for Black teachers. Her mother was a choir organist, and her two brothers would at times co-pastor Ebenezer with their father.
Services and celebration of life have been announced by the family of Dr. Christine King Farris:
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Sisters Chapel, Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane, SW Atlanta, GA 30314
4-5:45 p.m. – Lying in State
6 p.m. – Tributes from Spelman College, Final Rituals from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Links, Inc.
Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the historic sanctuary of Ebenezer Baptist Church, 407 Auburn Avenue, NE Atlanta, GA 30312
10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Lying in State
6 p.m. Make A Joyful Noise Musical Tribute
Celebration of life will be Sunday, July 16, 2023 at Ebenezer Baptist Church – Horizon Sanctuary 101 Jackson Street, NE Atlanta, GA 30312
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Lying in State
5 p.m. – Celebration of Life
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Christine King Farris Legacy Foundation, Inc., 3645 Marketplace Blvd, Suite 130/458, East Point GA 30344 https://www.givelify.com/donate/christine-king-farris-legacy-foundation-inc-east-point-ga-2j7wy5MTUwNzUwOQ==/donation/amount
Read more about Christine King Farris on ajc.com
Memories and Condolences
for Christine King Farris
40 Entries
Kelvin Kimble
June 2, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Gail Denise Rumph
June 1, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Kimberly Marquis
February 24, 2024
My deepest condolences to the King family. It´s hard not seeing Ms. Christine not sitting in the front at MLK celebration. She will always be a staple in the community.
charles candler sadler
February 1, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Angel Smith
January 22, 2024
My Deepest Condolences to the King family Thank you for all you and your families have done for the civil rights movement and the communities all over the world.
Kelvin Kimble
December 30, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Anne Brunson
July 25, 2023
To the King and Farris family, my thoughts and prayers are with you, thank you for her life, Servant of God, We'll Done
Willie McKnight
July 22, 2023
My condolences are with the King-Farris Family.
Shawn
July 18, 2023
THANK, YOU FOR SO MANY YEARS OF, LIFE FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM.. GOD BLESS YOUR MEMORIES FOREVER.. MAY YOUR SOUL REST WITH GOD... GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY.. AS WELL.
DURING THIS TIME..
Clarenda Gillard-Rhodes
July 17, 2023
Thank You For Living and Continuing to LIVE Through ALL of Us.
Ladene Gamble
July 17, 2023
Our deepest condolences to Issac Farris and family from Mr. & Mrs. Larry and Ladene Gambke
Verneta Brown
July 15, 2023
Praying for the family
Priscilla Caraway-Vinson
July 15, 2023
My deepest condolencesto the King Family. She was a beacon of light that shine so bright.She was a stranger to none.She kept the torch burning walking and speaking truth.Marching both day and night.She stood for justice,peace,and equality for all people so now Take Your rest and fly like wings of a dove. You will always,be remembered and never forgotten for your woks and kindness for memories I will always cherish.Yor voice will be echo through out the world. Keep marching and fighting until victory is won. Keep Marching and fighting until victory is won. We shall overcome someday.We shall over come someday.I cherish the moment our path cross over the years.A true legacy. A true hero.I will always remember what you told me and what Mrs. Corretta Scott King told me.May your spirit live on.Keeping the dream alive.
Priscilla Caraway-Vinson, Lenell Carter, Marcus D. Vinson, and Devon M. Vinson
Ryan Randall
July 15, 2023
Rest in peace Ms. Willie Christine King Farris. My prayer and condolences are to your family. I pray (Heavenly Father) that the King-Farris family would be comforted. I pray (Heavenly Father) that the King-Farris family would rest in being insured that their loved one Ms. Willie Christine King Farris is in a better place. I pray (Heavenly Father) that the King-Farris family will all be together again one day.
Mary Stimmel
July 14, 2023
It was my honor to work with Mrs Farris to produce the service at Ebenezer Baptist Church for the birthday of Dr King each January from 1984-1990. I worked closely with her as the producer from WAGA-TV, which was the only video allowed in the church. Christine King Farris was competent and professional and easy to work with, and I am fortunate to have had that experience. Mary Stimmel, former Public Affairs Director, WAGA-TV.
Winfred Smith
July 14, 2023
R I P,Mrs Christine King Farris
Robert Gary Jones
July 13, 2023
My Condolences
Zina Sinkfield, grew up in Edgewood and supported various social causes.
July 10, 2023
You have finished your course. Rest In Peace Dr. Christine King-Farris. My condolences and sympathy to the King and Farris family.
Tijuana Jones
July 6, 2023
To the king family, I want to offer my sincere condolences on the passing of your matriarch aunt. and sister. She will be deeply Missed by all who knew and loved her. May her soulbe iparadise with her brother Dr. King and Jesus Christ
Kenneth S Robinson
July 6, 2023
Heaven called another angel home, with loveKenneth Robinson, GOD BLESS.
Ila E. Williams, Spelman'74
July 6, 2023
As a student at Spelman, I remember Mrs Christine King Farris during my years there...May she walk the streets of gold!
Steven McFadden
July 5, 2023
Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time. I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find comfort in the memories of your loved one and the support of those around you. May you find peace and healing in the days to come.
Lurelia Freeman
July 5, 2023
My second grandmother..because of her, I got to witness the historic inaugural walk of President James Earl Carter..she was a constant mentor, guide and support during my time at Spelman..may God forever bind our hearts to thine .
Lurelia H Freeman, CO´90
General Larry Platt
July 5, 2023
I was in the civil Rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther king , and Mrs. Christine Farris , they were strong warriors. And stood up for what was right. I will greatly miss, mrs. Christine Farris I would see her at Ebenezer Baptist church , she would be happy to see me , and talk to me. I will miss her at the marches too. She has earned her wings in heaven. Good and faithful servant of God.
Myron H. Johnson, Jr.
July 4, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. RIP
Kristen Folsom
July 4, 2023
Dr. Farris, thank you for the valuable lessons you taught me at Spelman College. Especially, I will always remember how you would honor your brother's wisdom and truths by framing your own teachings with, "Dr. King said..."
Kimberly Marquis
July 4, 2023
Prayers and condolences to the King Family. Another great leader to be remembered for her major contributions and overall presence. RIP Mrs. King-Farris.
Joyce Beatty
July 4, 2023
Sending condolences and prayers to the King family. May God be with you.
Joyce Beatty and Kenneth
Thomas
Rev. Dr. J.W. Matt Hennessee
July 4, 2023
To all members of the King Family. We all mourn with you, but also celebrate the great life Aunt Christine Farris lived. I often spoke with her while my godmother, Mother Coretta Scott King, and my dearest of friends, Ms. Yolanda King were alive. I was blessed to attend and be up close and personal for the MLK celebrations like the "Salute to Greatness" dinner and the powerful MLK Service at Ebenezer on Monday of the King Holiday. Wow! Aunt Christine would always tease me about how long I was going to be in town because she always knew I was in town on my way to another engagement either here in Portland or another destination. We spoke again after a long hiatus a year or so ago and it was as if we had just spoken with each other the day before. She was always thoughtful, genuine, and touched the lives of so many. She was a tremendous encourager. She will be sorely missed. I was blessed to know her and be exposed to her infinite wisdom. May her family (including Martin III, Dexter, Bernice, & Issac) and friends feel as I do, this is what a life celebration is all about. God's hand is on all of this. Many blessings and much love, Rev. Dr. J.W. Matt Hennessee, Senior Servant, Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon
Mary Holloway
July 3, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the King family.
Edmoniers Dokes
July 3, 2023
Condolences to the family one of the well dress lady I've ever seen, I couldn't wait to see her at Dr King service , she'll be really miss
Sally Harley
July 3, 2023
I didn´t know mrs. Farris personally, but I loved what she stood for, and I always looked forward to her hosting the commemorative services every year, for as long as she could, I love her hats, she was a woman of power and humbleness. I will miss her greatly. She was a true warrior for Justice. The watkins and King family is in my prayers. Grace and mercy.
Phaedra Pruitt McKenzie
July 3, 2023
With deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire King-Farris families. May dearest Christine rest in Heaven. To GOD who gets ALL the glory.
Phaedra Pruitt-Mckenzie and family.
FDH c/o 1981
Kevin Thomas
July 2, 2023
Mr.Kevin E.Thomas.
Shirley Shivers
July 2, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Maryj brisbane
July 1, 2023
My condolence to the family may god bless all I seen her when I went to visit the museum and I went to the house and the church God bless all from Mary Brisbane and family
Tammy Smith
July 1, 2023
I was born and raised in Atlanta,Ga,I look forward every year on Dr.M.L KING DAY to watch THE COMMUNATIVE SERVICE at 10:00am and to see Dr.Christine king Farris in pulpit or sitting in the front pew with the rest of the King's Family,she will be DEARLY MISSED. my Condolences to the Family
Mashona Brown
June 30, 2023
My Condolences and Prayers to The King Family and Friends. Greetings from Greenville SC
Murray M Silver Jr
June 30, 2023
The King family and Silver family are friends forever
Antwan Williams
June 29, 2023
My deepest condolences to the King family. My love and prayers are with you always.
Showing 1 - 40 of 40 results
Make a Donation
in Christine King Farris's name
How to support Christine's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Christine King Farris's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more