Fort lauderdale, FL: Less than two hours before midnight on New Year’s Eve 2009, Denise King, mother of Simmie Williams, Jr. (a 17-year old openly gay African-American teen murdered on Sistrunk Blvd. on February 22, 2008) collapsed and passed away at age 40 in her apartment, just two blocks from her son’s murder site.
Denise is survived by her children: Brittany (21), Terrell (17), Tavaris (16), and Davaughn (12); grandson Jamar, Jr. (3); her mother Maudie Lee; and her sister Rose Barnes.
Denise was a devoted mother to her family and worked hard to provide opportunities for her children. Since February 2008, she struggled daily with anguish in the torment of Simmie’s murderer(s) not having been brought to justice. In the face of adversity, Denise remained a brave and strong woman and became a passionate spokeswoman fighting intolerance.
On February 22, 2008, 17-year old Simmie Williams, Jr. was gunned down on Sistrunk Boulevard. The case remains unsolved. Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Frank Adderley met with
A special fund has been established at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center/Pride Center to assist the King Family with funeral related expenses for Denise King. Checks should be made payable to “GLCC,” note the memo with “Denise King funeral,” and be mailed to GLCC/Pride Center, 2040 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305.
In 2008, the South Florida lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community raised nearly $4,000 to assist with funeral expenses for Simmie Williams, Jr. The Florida Attorney General’s Office still refuses to approve a claim for Simmie’s funeral expenses under the state’s Crime Victim Compensation Program.
Contact: Michael Emanuel Rajner
(954) 288-1999
merajner@gmail.com
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