Obituary of Charlye Maye King

Charlye Maye Williams King, was born on August 29, 1924 at Grady Hospital in Atlanta Georgia. The only child of Gartrell David and Addie Williams. She departed this life on January 12, 2015 at age 90. Charlye Maye was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and Clark College in Atlanta Georgia. At Clark, she met and was married by the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. at Ebernezer Baptist Church to her deceased husband Andrew Louis King, Sr. To this union, they bore 4 children. Charlye Maye was a member of Ebernezer Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Busy Bee Sunday school class, the youth choir, and other activities. In 1960, she became the first president of August birth month club when Dr. King, Jr. changed the Ward Mission System to birth month club. She spent many enjoyable moments with the King family and learned to play the piano with their daughter Christine while Martin and A.D. played pranks on them. She cherished the intellectual discussions she shared at dinner with them on Sundays. Charlye Maye and Andrew were encouraged to move to New York by dear friends Clarence and Jeanette Johns. Charlye Maye work with the Board of Cooperative Education Services for 45+ years where she worked with special needs children and as a social worker. Her efforts were highly valued by her students and the board. She mentored a group of young teachers who are now affectionately known as Charlye's Angels. They remained close and loyal to her thru the end of her earthly life. Charlye Maye believed in giving back and community service so, she was a loyal member of Jack and Jill of America Inc., The Links Inc., Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority of Educators, The 100 Black Women, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and her beloved Couples Club. Charlye Maye leaves to cherish in loving memory: sons, Andrew Louis King Jr, Dr. Gartrell David (Toni) daughters, Charlyn Tereon Reese, and Valerie Reddick, 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, host of family and friends. A special thanks to the many devoted care givers for extending care, compassion and great company to someone so wonderful.