ATLANTA — The sister-in-law of Martin Luther King Jr. and the family matriarch, Naomi King, died on Thursday in Atlanta, according to the A.D. King Foundation. She was 92.
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.
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.
The foundation added that Naomi King and her husband stood by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, often supporting his mission for social justice peacefully. Naomi and A.D. were also present for several historical events, including the March on Washington and North Carolina sit-ins.
"We are comforted with the assurance that Mrs. King is now in her eternal home in the presence of her Savior, and that she was met in Heaven by her husband, A.D. King; her brother-in-law, Martin Luther King Jr; her sister-in-law, Coretta Scott King; her daughter, Darlene King; and her sons, Alfred King II and Vernon King," a statement from the foundation read.
Despite creating the foundation in her husband's name and standing by MLK Jr. 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.
She was also affectionately known as the "Butterfly Queen" and known to be strong in her faith.
She is survived by her daughter, Alveda King; her son, Derek King, and several grandchildren.
The foundation has not released details for Naomi King's service.
In lieu of flowers, the family and the foundation are asking the public for donations for the A.D. King Foundation here.