Nation of Islam Mourns Death of First Lady Khadijah Farrakhan at 90

June 29, 2026

Khadijah Farrakhan, the 90-year-old wife of Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan, passed away on Saturday after 72 years of marriage. Born Betsy Ross in 1935, she married Louis Walcott in 1953 and converted to Islam alongside him two years later, subsequently raising nine children together. While her husband remained the public face of the movement, she played crucial behind-the-scenes roles including serving as the organization's first treasurer and secretary, establishing organizational systems, coordinating fundraising efforts, leading humanitarian initiatives, and developing the secretarial department.

Who is affected

Minister Louis Farrakhan (her husband of 72 years)
The Nation of Islam organization and its followers
The Farrakhan family, including their surviving children
Members and supporters of the Muslim community associated with the Nation of Islam
Attendees and organizers of the upcoming memorial services

What action is being taken

The Nation of Islam's Shura Executive Council is announcing her death and sharing tributes
Public services are being arranged, with Mother Khadijah lying in state at Mosque Maryam in Chicago
Tributes are spreading from various individuals and organizations, including Mosque Maryam and artist ZaRio Son Rise

Why it matters

This matters because Khadijah Farrakhan was instrumental in building and sustaining one of the most significant Black religious and social movements in America for over seven decades. Her work establishing organizational infrastructure, financial systems, and humanitarian programs helped the Nation of Islam expand its influence on Black self-determination and economic independence. Her death marks the end of an era for the movement and removes a steadying institutional force who worked behind the scenes to guide both the organization's growth and its family-centered mission.

What's next

Mother Khadijah will lie in state July 1 and July 2 at Mosque Maryam in Chicago. Her janazah (funeral) service is scheduled for July 3 at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Oak Woods Cemetery.

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer