Karen Zerby

Karen Zerby
Born
Karen Elva Zerby

(1946-07-31) July 31, 1946
Other namesMaria, “Mama” Maria, Maria David, Maria Fontaine, “Queen” Maria
OccupationLeader of The Children of God/The Family International
Spouses
(m. 1970; died 1994)
    Steven Douglas Kelly
    (m. 1994)
    Children2, including Ricky Rodriguez

    Karen Elva Zerby (born July 31, 1946) is the leader of The Family International, founded by her former husband David Berg as the “Children of God”, proven in court to have promoted and enacted sexual abuse of adults and children, including prostitution as a means of proselytizing. She is also referred to by her followers as Maria, “Mama” Maria, Maria David, Maria Fontaine, and “Queen” Maria.