Scores of Spelman College students, graduates, sorority members and admirers from near and far flocked to the school’s Sisters Chapel Tuesday afternoon to pay their respects to one of its most beloved alumnae, Christine King Farris.
The Spelman graduate and educator died June 29 at the age of 95.
Known by some as the eldest sibling of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Farris was an accomplished author, professor and civil rights activist. She was the longest-serving faculty member at Spelman, the historically Black college for women in southwest Atlanta. She retired from the college in 2014.
Farris spent the majority of her life at Spelman. She graduated from Spelman College Nursery at the age of two, returned as a student, and graduated in 1948. A decade later, she returned to teach literacy and education.
In her 56 years of service at Spelman, Farris directed its Learning Resource Center, taught other aspiring educators and worked in the Freshman Reading Program.
“Not only was she the epitome of a lady, always dressed impeccably — she always had a hat to match her outfit — she was very instrumental in just helping Spelman women be the kind of women who go out and change the world,” said Spelman College Board of Trustees Chair Lovette T. Russell.
Farris laid in the college’s chapel Tuesday afternoon for a public viewing before community members gathered for a series of tributes to her life from the college, the chapel, the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College and the Granddaughters Club at Spelman College.
Tuesday’s service was the first of several events honoring Farris. Her funeral will be held at Ebenezer’s Horizon Sanctuary, 101 Jackson St. in Atlanta at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Current Spelman students Anya Williams Phelps and Kiera Metz, who are both rising sophomores, said they came Tuesday because of Farris’ lasting impact on their school.
“She’s bringing that legacy and her love back…
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