Berwick, Louisianna (April 20, 1916 – April 18, 2015) age 98 yrs

Verna St. Clair King was a teacher and political icon. She graduated from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. She also earned a master’s in education from SDSU (San Diego State University). King was a special education teacher and parent advocate for three decades in the San Diego Unified School District. She tutored parents on how to lobby for themselves and their children. King also connected them with critical social services. She held leadership positions in the San Diego Teachers Association for more than 30 years. She served as a representative to the National Education Association. She was also a member of the National Women’s Caucus and Black Caucus. In 2011, she was a guest at a White House reception celebrating LGBT Pride Month and met President Barack Obama. Always a teacher at heart, Mrs. King was dedicated to serving others. In 2005, the San Diego City Council proclaimed April 4 Verna King Day in honor of her lifetime of service.