Susan Emmaline Taylor King has lived a remarkable life of service, perseverance, and faith. Born in 1924 in Kilmarnock, Virginia, she moved with her family to Baltimore during the Great Depression. A graduate of Frederick Douglass High School, she trained as a riveter and joined the workforce at Eastern Aircraft Company during World War II, becoming one of Baltimore’s few African American “Rosie the Riveters.” In that historic moment, she not only contributed to the nation’s defense but also witnessed the breaking down of racial barriers in the workplace, experiences she would later share in documentaries, books, and public tributes. In March 2025, Mrs. King was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors, recognizing her vital contributions to the war effort.

After the war, Mrs. King pursued higher education, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Morgan State University. She went on to serve as a science teacher and guidance counselor in Baltimore City Public Schools for over two decades.

Through all these seasons, Susan King has remained grounded in her faith as a charter member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. For more than seven decades, her presence has been a blessing to the congregation – her witness shaped as much by her commitment to peace and justice as by her generosity of spirit. Now at 101 years old, she continues to inspire those around her with her story, her wisdom, and her steadfast devotion to God’s call. We give thanks for her life, her service, and the example of faith she embodies for the Presbytery of Baltimore.