Coretta Scott King passed away apparently in her sleep last night. The wife of the late Dr. Martin Luther King was 78 years old. Born and raised in Marion, Alabama, Coretta Scott graduated valedictorian from Lincoln High School. She received a B.A. in music and education from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and then went on to study concert singing at Boston's New England Conservatory of Music, where she earned a degree in voice and violin. While in Boston she met Martin Luther King, Jr. who was then studying for his doctorate in systematic theology at Boston University. They were married on June 18, 1953, and in September 1954 took up residence in Montgomery, Alabama, with Coretta Scott King assuming the many functions of pastor's wife at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.

Mrs. King and Dr. King had four children which survive her today. She lost her husband by assassination in 1968 and became an activist in his honor. The Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday was establish by her efforts.

Grace, compassion and warmth are a few words that have been used to describe Mrs. King and she will be greatly missed. At this time arrangements are pending and prayers are asked for the family.