Christine King Farris, the older sister of Martin Luther King Jr. and former Spelman professor, turned 94 years old on Saturday, 11 Alive reports.
Her niece, Bernice King, took to Twitter to give her aunt a special birthday shoutout.
"I thank God that Aunt Christine is still with us and is doing well. Let's wish her a very happy birthday, share some love, and send up continual prayers for her — praying she makes it to 100," the minister tweeted.
My aunt, Dr. #ChristineKingFarris, is celebrating 94 years of an influential, powerful life today. She’s a renowned educator (@SpelmanCollege), my father, #MLK’s, sister (together in the 2nd ????), and co-laborer with my mother, #CorettaScottKing, in establishing @TheKingCenter ???? pic.twitter.com/OTVWLcwOi1
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) September 11, 2021
Farris also tweeted a touching video of her aunt in continued celebration for her fellow soror on Monday. Both she and Christine are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
What a great way to celebrate the 94th birthday of my aunt, Dr. Christine King Farris, who is known as Queen Mother to many. We feel so blessed to still have her with us. And she is my soror. I love you, Aunt Chris. #happybirthday
#94yearsyoung
#kinglegacy
#elegance
pic.twitter.com/DrnvizC09Q— Be A King (@BerniceKing) September 14, 2021
According to Spelman, Farris was among “three peas in a pod," along with her younger brothers Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Alfred Daniel King, who she'd nicknamed ML and AD.
Before becoming an educator at the prestigious university, she attended Spelman at age 16 as a student. She was a member of the renowned Spelman College Glee Club, where she showcased her vocal abilities as a soloist. She was also voted “Most Distinguished Student” by her fellow students.
Eight years after graduating, she returned to her alma mater, where she'd go on to serve as associate professor of education and director of the Learning Resources Center for 56 years. Farris retired in May 2014.
