Posted March 19, 2021 from the East Bay Times —

Beloved family restaurateur, community figure draws tribute for cultural, community legacies —

Dorothy King, owner of the famed Everett and Jones Barbeque restaurant, died Wednesday, according to media reports.

One of eight daughters and a son born to the late Dorothy Turner Everett, King learned and helped build a business that fed thousands of Bay Area residents from multiple locations, including Berkeley, Hayward, Alameda and Oakland, as well as former locations in Pleasanton and San Francisco.

Under her family’s stewardship, the long-running restaurant known not only for excellent fare and charitable efforts such as fund-raisers, but as a popular gathering place for sporting events, celebrations of local talent like former “American Idol” contestant LaToya London and political achievements, such as President Obama’s 2008 run from nomination and campaign to his election and inauguration.

Democratic political figures, including President Clinton in 2008 and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2016, visited to dine and tout candidacies and issues.

Officials weighed in Thursday on social media in the wake of King’s passing.

“Grieving + honoring Oakland legend and beloved entrepreneur Dorothy King, founder of @everettjonesbbq,” Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf posted. “Dorothy’s powerhouse style + fierce passion for social justice will continue to inspire generations. We will miss her dearly and feel gratitude for all that she gave Oakland.”

Grieving + honoring Oakland legend and beloved entrepreneur Dorothy King, founder of @everettjonesbbq. Dorothy's powerhouse style + fierce passion for social justice will continue to inspire generations. We will miss her dearly and feel gratitude for all that she gave Oakland. pic.twitter.com/9zRlNUvlSc

— Libby Schaaf (@LibbySchaaf) March 18, 2021

“Rest in Power Dorothy King,” political organizer, activist and businesswoman Aimee Allison said. “You made Everett and Jones the center of #Oakland’s Black political power. You supported me and a generation with your food and vocal championship. Thank you for everything.”

Rest in Power Dorothy King. You made Everett and Jones the center of #Oakland’s Black political power. You supported me and a generation with your food and vocal championship. Thank you for everything.
(Julie shared this photo of happy times) pic.twitter.com/o7AUSsv3il

— Aimee Allison (@aimeeallison) March 18, 2021

“I am heartbroken by the news of Dorothy King’s passing,” entrepreneur and recent Oakland City Council candidate Dereck Johnson said.”Dorothy was a mentor, a friend and a towering figure in Oakland who inspired many Black restaurateur & entrepreneurs like myself. She was a generous spirit who made an indelible impact in our community. Rest In peace, Queen.”

I am heartbroken by the news of Dorothy King’s passing. Dorothy was a mentor, a friend and a towering figure in Oakland who inspired many Black restaurateur & entrepreneurs like myself. She was a generous spirit who made an indelible impact in our community. Rest In Peace, Queen. pic.twitter.com/IhyRFkcRRg

— Derreck Johnson (@derreckbjohnson) March 18, 2021

Memorial services are pending.