CHICAGO — Khadijah Farrakhan, the wife of Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan and a longtime figure within the religious organization, died June 27 after 72 years of marriage. Her death was announced by the Nation of Islam. Her age was not released.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Mosque Maryam, the Nation of Islam’s national headquarters at 7351 S. Stony Island Ave. in Chicago. Organization officials said seating will be limited.
Born Betsy Ross, she converted to Islam upon marrying Louis Farrakhan in 1955 and took the name Khadijah. The couple raised nine children together and experienced the loss of two children during their marriage.
Known within the Nation of Islam as its first lady and affectionately referred to as “Mother Khadijah,” she was recognized by members for her decades of support for her husband, her family and the organization. She frequently spoke about the importance of faith, family and the role of women in strengthening communities.
During a women’s forum, Khadijah Farrakhan said, “A nation can rise no higher than its women,” a statement that reflected her emphasis on the influence of women in family and community life.
Throughout her nearly seven decades in the Nation of Islam, she maintained a largely behind-the-scenes role while supporting Minister Farrakhan’s leadership and the organization’s programs. Members remembered her for her commitment to her faith, her family and her service to the Nation of Islam.
She is survived by her husband, Minister Louis Farrakhan, and their children. The Nation of Islam has not announced additional memorial arrangements.
