Death of Dexter King, Son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King
The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia, has announced the passing of Dexter King, the youngest son and third child of the renowned civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Dexter King, aged 62, passed away after a battle with prostate cancer.
In a press release issued by The King Center, Dexter’s best friend and wife of 11 years, Leah Weber King, stated that he peacefully transitioned in his sleep at their home in Malibu. Leah expressed her admiration for Dexter’s bravery in facing this terrible disease and his unwavering determination to fight until the very end.
Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, shared her heartbreak over losing another sibling, stating that words cannot fully express the pain she feels. She requested prayers for strength to cope with this difficult time. Dexter’s brother, Martin Luther King, III, echoed the sentiment, expressing his devastation and the difficulty in finding the right words to convey his emotions. He also asked for prayers for the entire King family.
Dexter King was born seven years before the tragic assassination of his father in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. He grew up in Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, where his grandfather served as Pastor. Dexter attended Frederick Douglas High School, where he actively participated in football and various school organizations. Following in his father’s footsteps, he pursued higher education at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Throughout his life, Dexter dedicated himself to preserving his father’s legacy and protecting the intellectual property left behind. At the time of his passing, he served as Chairman of The King Center and President of the King Estate.
Dexter King is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Leah Weber King, his sister Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, his brother Martin Luther King, III, his niece, Yolanda Renee King, and numerous immediate and extended family members.
The King family is in the process of planning a memorial service to honor Dexter King. Details regarding the service will be announced at a later date.
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