Ann L. Felder King was born on October 27, 1926, in St. Mary’s, Georgia, the youngest of three children born to Anna and Joe Willie Felder. Her family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, during her infancy, where she and her siblings began their early education. They later settled in Woodbine, Georgia.
As a young woman, Ann began working as an educator in a small rural community outside Folkston, Georgia. The building where she taught served as a White church on Sundays and a school for Black children during the week. She also acted as principal, while the school’s only other teacher doubled as the bus driver. Despite limited resources, Ann committed herself to the children of the community, many of whom worked to support their families.
In the late 1940s, she gave birth to her first child, Clyde Windsor, who was raised by her mother, Anna Windsor, and stepfather, Thomas Windsor. Clyde went on to become a respected community leader and role model for his siblings.
While attending Tuskegee Institute, Ann met and married Clennon King. They had six children: Muriel, William, Lee, Earnest, Virginia, and Tanimola. After the family relocated to California, Ann later settled in San Diego as a single mother, where she raised her children with strength, love, and unwavering faith. After her divorce, she welcomed her eighth child, Gail Brown.
Ann found lasting support and community through Bethel AME Church in San Diego, where she remained a faithful and active member. She served in the Mary F. Handy Missionary Society, was honored as a CLEO Love member, and taught arts and crafts in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
In the 1960s, Ann worked in childcare for San Diego City Schools before earning her Licensed Vocational Nurse credentials at San Diego City College. She went on to serve for 25 years at UCSD Medical Center, retiring in the early 1990s.
Ann passed on November 16, 2025.
Ann was preceded in death by three of her children; Tanimola, Earnest, and Gail.
She is survived by her children; Clyde Windsor, Muriel King, William King, Lee King, and Virginia King, along with 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Ann leaves behind a legacy of resilience, creativity, faith, and love—one that continues to live on in the hearts of those she touched.
