President Bush and three former presidents, national politicians, as well as civil rights and religious leaders paid tribute to the life and memory of Coretta Scott King at a funeral service held at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia. They talked about her contributions to the civil rights movement, efforts on behalf of minorities, and marriage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Mrs. King’s daughter Bernice, a minister, gave the eulogy, saying her mother “was not just a national figure, she was a global leader.” Poet Maya Angelou and the Kings' three other children also attended the service. Some speeches were later highlighted in news media reports for their political overtones and criticisms of President Bush.
The service featured musical performances by Stevie Wonder, Michael Bolton, and Bebe and Cece Winans. The New Birth Total Praise Choir sang some of Mrs. King’s favorite gospel songs, including “Amazing Grace.”