UPDATED: 12:09 a.m. ET., September 16th, 2024
As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.
1. Tito Jackson
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Tito Jackson
2. Frankie Beverley
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The news of his passing was confirmed by his family in a post on his official social media accounts, saying “Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience. During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way. This period for is one of healing, and your respect for our need for solitude is appreciated as we honor the memory of our beloved Howard Stanley Beverly known to the world as Frankie Beverly.
He lived his life with pure soul as one would say, and for us, no one did it better. He lived for his music, family and friends.
Love one another as he would want that for us all.
Howard Stanley Beverly aka Frankie Beverly”
3. James Earl Jones…
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An EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner, Jones earned four Tony Award nominations for Best Actor in a Play, winning twice for his performances as Jack Jefferson in The Great White Hope in 1969 and as Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s Fences in 1987. Other famous roles from Jones include the voice of Mufasa in The Lion King and King Jaffe Joffer in Coming to America.
4. Rich Homie Quan
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 25: Rich Homie Quan performs during the inaugural 2024 Gazebo Festival at Waterfront Park on May 25, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,usa,music,performance,music festival,opening event,kentucky,louisville – kentucky,rich homie quan,may,gazebo,2024
5. Sybil Haydel Morial
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6. Rebecca Cheptegei
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Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic runner from Uganda, tragically passed away after being attacked by her boyfriend. She was doused in petrol and set on fire, suffering severe burns. This incident occurred in Kenya, and she succumbed to her injuries a few days later.
7. Fatman Scoop
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Fatman Scoop has died after suffering a medical emergency at a show in Connecticut, according to his tour manager.
8. Betty A. Bridges
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Betty A. Bridges, actress and mother of Diff’rent Strokes star Todd Bridges, passed away at the age of 83 in her son’s Phoenix home, where she was receiving hospice care.
9. Al Attles
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NBA Legend Al Attles passed away on Tuesday at his Bay Area home at the age of 87. Over more than six decades, Attles dedicated his talents and passion to the Warriors organization in various roles, including player, general manager, and team ambassador.
10. BeatKing
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Legendary Texas rapper BeatKing has repeatedly passed away. At this time there have been no further details as to his cause of death. Close sources to him say that it may have been due to health-related issues.
11. Wally Amos
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Wallace “Wally” Amos, the founder of Famous Amos Cookies, passed away at 88.
Two of his children, Shawn and Sarah Amos, confirmed to the New York Times that he died on Aug. 13 at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii, due to complications of dementia.
12. Winsome Sinclair
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The Casting Director died in hospice care on Long Island after a long battle with colon cancer
13. Shaun Martin
After nearly a year and a half of being closely monitored by doctors as he recovered from a “massive stroke” in April 2023, Dallas musician Shaun Martin died on Saturday, August 3, according to his wife, who revealed the news on social media Sunday.
He was 45 years old.
14. Erica Ash
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Ash starred as Kevin Hart‘s love interest in “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Ash also starred in the critically acclaimed series “Survivor’s Remorse,” where she played “Mary Charles “M-Chuck” Calloway”, the outspoken sister of a professional basketball player. She was also a cast member on the sketch comedy programs MADtv, The Big Gay Sketch Show, and the legal drama “In Contempt.”
15. Alma Johnson Powell
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Born on October 27, 1937, in Birmingham, Alabama, Alma Johnson was raised in a family that valued education and service. She attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. Alma Johnson met Colin Powell in 1961 on a blind date in Massachusetts. The couple married on August 25, 1962, and had three children together—Michael, Linda, and Annemarie. Their partnership spanned over five decades until Colin Powell’s passing in 2021.
16. Gail Lumet Buckley
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Gail Lumet Buckley is an accomplished author, journalist, and counselor. She is also the daughter of legendary entertainer, Lena Horne.
17. DJ Polo
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Born Shawn Brown, DJ Polo (Right) became a prominent figure in the legendary Juice Crew, a hip-hop collective assembled by Marley Marl and the renowned radio personality Mr. Magic. This supergroup included celebrated artists like Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, MC Shan, and Roxanne Shanté, among others. Polo, alongside rapper Kool G Rap, formed a duo and unveiled the seminal album “Road to the Riches” in 1989. They also produced the albums “Wanted: Dead or Alive” in 1990 and “Live and Let Die” in 1992.
18. Mia Bennett aka PettyLevels
Bennett’s passing was confirmed by her record label Chosen 1 Records, who took to social media to inform her family, friends, and fans.
“We regret to inform you of the passing of our lil sis @pettylevelsofficial We ask for prayers and comfort at this time & respect of privacy for the family.” the account wrote on Instagram.
19. Joe Cool
Snoop Dogg and Daz Dillinger both paid tribute to their cousin who created the iconic Doggystyle cover.
20. Abdul Duke Fakir
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According to a family spokesperson, Fakir died of heart failure with his wife and family by his side.
23. Joe “Jellybean” Bryant
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Joe Bryant, the father of the late NBA Icon Kobe Bryant has died. Bryant, reportedly has been dealing with health issues, including a massive stroke.
24. Jacoby Jones
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Former NFL Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones passed away in his sleep at his home.
25. Khyree Jackson
Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson died on Saturday (July 6th). According to a report from TMZ, Jackson along with two others was killed in a car accident with two other vehicles in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, his hometown.
26. KeKe Jabbar
Source:Instagram
A statement after Jabbar’s passing read “It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Keke. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love. She was a mom, a sister, and a great friend full of life, love and laughter. She will be sorely missed and at this time, we are asking for respect and privacy in our moment of grief while we process this great loss. The Jabbar Family and the Scott Family,”
27. Renauld White
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Renauld White died in hospice care at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan on Wednesday at the age of 80, according to WWD. His cause of death has not been reported.
28. Dante Hall
Gospel Singer Dante Hall passed away suddenly. Hall had a successful solo career and worked with a who’s who in Gospel including Donald Lawrence.
29. Rev. James Lawson
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Rev. James Lawson, a leading theoretician and tactician of nonviolence within the American Civil Rights Movement along with Nashville’s civil rights movement, died on June 9 at 95. Read more about his life by clicking here.
30. John Mitchell
John Mitchell, who faithfully served Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition for nearly 30 years, was just 57 when he died on June 14. The cause of Mitchell’s death was listed as Stage 4 Myeloma, the Chicago Crusader reported.
“We rejoice and praise God that our beloved brother John Mitchell, ‘Big John,’ has gone on to see and bear witness to the King in heaven. We give all praise and thanks to God Almighty for John and the blessings he gave us through his undying loyalty, unwavering commitment and his invaluable and dedicated service to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the millions of people we serve,” Yusef Jackson, the COO of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, said in a statement. “John was a general on the battlefield for Civil and Human Rights movements. He made a difference in registering thousands of voters and securing opportunities for minority and female businesses across many different industries. Moreover, John was a master at connecting international alliances, including helping to free Nelson Mandela, to enhance peace for mankind.”
31. Dr. Nathan Hare
Dr. Nathan Hare, a pioneering sociologist and psychologist who was also called the father of Black Studies, died on June 10 at the age of 91.
Hare’s death was first reported by Diverse.
More from Diverse:
In 1968, Hare was hired at San Francisco State College (now known as San Francisco State University) as the first program coordinator of the school’s Black Studies program, the first program of its kind in the United States.
He is credited with coining the term “ethnic studies” to replace “minority studies” and was a productive researcher and scholar, publishing a number of books with his late wife, Dr. Julia Hare.
The History Makers website has more on Hare’s impressive career:
In 1961, he became an instructor and assistant professor in sociology at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Some of his students included Stokely Carmichael and Claude Brown. Later, in September 1966, he wrote a letter to the editor of the The Hilltop, Howard University’s student newspaper speaking out against then Howard University president James Nabrit’s plan to turn the university’s student body sixty percent white by 1970. As a result Hare was fired in 1967. In 1968, Hare joined the faculty of San Francisco State College (now San Francisco State University) and became the program coordinator of the school’s Black Studies program, the first in the United States. This has earned him the title “father of Black Studies” by scholars. As the program coordinator, Hare created the term “ethnic studies” to replace the more pejorative “minority studies.” Hare battled with the college administration and left the college just a year later, in 1969. Needing a way to express his thoughts and the ideas of others, he founded the scholarly periodical, The Black Scholar: A Journal of Black Studies and Research in 1969. He left the journal in 1975 to work as a clinical psychologist in community health programs, hospitals, and in private practice. In 1979, he co-founded the Black Think Tank with his wife, Julia Hare. The Black Think Tank addresses the problems and concerns that plague the African American community.
32. Bill Cobbs
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According to his publicist, Cobbs passed away in his home. Cobbs just turned 90 on June 16th.
33. Julio Foolio
The Rapper was shot and killed outside a Florida hotel.
34. Willie Mays
Michael Mays, Willie’s son said in a statement released by the Giants, saying ““My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” said Michael Mays. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”
36. Enchanting
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It was reported that she was in critical condition from a suspected overdose that led to her untimely passing.
37. Chet Walker
In 1969, Walker was traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he was a key player, leading the team in scoring and helping them reach the playoffs multiple times. Walker was a 7× NBA All-Star. Walker was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction in 2012.
38. Chuck Roberts
Known as the “Voice of House,” House Music Legend Chuck Roberts reportedly of Cancer. He was 66 years old
39. Mark Ross a.k.a. Brother Marquis
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Hip-Hop is mourning the loss of another OG in the game, as iconic rap group 2 Live Crew confirmed the passing of member Mark Ross a.k.a. Brother Marquis.
The rapper passed away on Monday, June 3, according to a post on the group’s official social media account. The caption simply states that Ross “has went to the upper room.”
Although not an original member of the crew, Brother Marquis helped cement the group’s place in hip-hop infamy, along with DJ Mr. Mixx, the late Fresh Kid Ice, and Luke “Skyywalker” Campbell.
41. Marian Robinson
Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady, Michelle Obama has passed away. In a social media post announcing the passing, Michelle Obama said “My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today” which included a statement from the family.
42. Drew Gordon
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The former NBA player and brother of Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon was killed in a car accident in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, May 30th. He was 33 years old.
43. Reverend William A. Lawson
The official Instagram Page for Wheeler Church said the following:
“It is with both inexpressible sorrow and overwhelming gratitude that we announce the passing of our Founding Pastor, Reverend William A. Lawson on May 14, 2024. He has completed his time of service here on earth and is now enjoying eternal rest. In his nearly 96 years, Reverend Lawson has served as husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, as well as preacher, professor, and civil rights leader. But whatever title you may have used to describe him, it has been said many times that Reverend Bill Lawson was ‘Houston’s Pastor.’”
44. Archie Cooley
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Cooley was known as the “The Gunslinger” and during his time at Mississippi Valley State introduced his innovative “Satellite Express” offense. The offense featured a no-huddle look with five wide receivers and showcased quarterback Willie Totten and Rice. Rice would go on to a stellar career with the San Francisco 49ers, election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is considered one of the greatest receivers in the history of the NFL.
Cooley was born in Sumrall and raised in Laurel where he attended Oak Park High School.
Cooley played for Jackson State from 1959-61 and was captain of the team. He started at linebacker and center for coach John Merritt. Cooley graduated in 1962.
45. U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr.
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U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr., the Congressman from New Jersey who represented the Garden State on Capitol Hill for a dozen years, has died. He was 65.
46. William Strickland
Civil rights activist William Strickland died April 10 at the age of 87, according to AP.
William Strickland was an avid supporter of the Black Power movement and worked with many leaders of the Black community in the 1960s. AP confirmed Stickland’s death through family.
William Strickland found his civil rights calling while in high school in Massachusetts after becoming inspired by the writings of James Baldwin and Richard Wright.
In the early 1960s, Strickland joined the Boston chapter of the Northern Student Movement and participated in protests throughout the South. In 1963, he was promoted to director of the organization and began working alongside prominent leaders like Malcolm X and others in New York, focusing on civil rights issues such as strikes, school boycotts, police brutality as well as rent increases.
“He made incredible contributions to the Black freedom movement that haven’t really been appreciated,” Peter Blackmer, an assistant professor of Africology and African American Studies at Eastern Michigan University, told AP. “His contention was that civil rights wasn’t a sufficient framework for challenging the systems that were behind the oppression of Black communities throughout the diaspora.”
In 1969, after MLK was assassinated, Strickland co-founded the Institute of the Black World. The organization was a think tank for Black intellectuals.
He would spend his later years teaching political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
47. Chance Perdomo
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Actor Chance Perdomo who was known for his role in the new Amazon show “Gen V” has died following a motorcycle crash, according to AP. The young actor was 27 years old.
“On behalf of the family and his representatives, it is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident,” a publicist said to AP in a statement Saturday evening.
According to the family publicist, no one else was injured in the motorcycle crash but no details about the incident have yet been released.
Chance Perdomo was also widely known for his role in the Netflix series “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” where he played the role of Ambrose Spellman. Perdomo starred in 36 episodes, which spanned over 4 seasons.
In 2023, Perdomo starred in his most popular role as Andre Anderson in The Boys spinoff series Gen V. The show follows a group of young superheroes who must navigate their college experience while being controlled by an evil corporation called Vought. The show was a hit success for Amazon Prime.
Following Chance Perdomo his representatives also released a heartfelt statement offering condolences to the family and asking for fans to respect the family’s privacy during these difficult times.
“His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest,” the statement read. “We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.”
The producers of the show shared their love for Perdomo’s family on social.
“We can’t quite wrap our heads around this,” the statement said. “For those of us knew him and worked with him, Chance was always charming and smiling, an enthusiastic force of nature, an incredibly talented performer, and more than anything else, just a very kind, loving person. Even writing about him in the past tense doesn’t make sense. We are so sorry for Chance’s family, and we are grieving the lost of our friend and colleague. Hug your loved ones tonight.”
Amazon MGM Studios also shared statements remembering Perdomo.
“The entire GEN V family is devastated by the sudden passing of Chance Perdomo,” Amazon said. “Amazon MGM Studios and Song Picture Television extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to Chance’s family and all who love him at this difficult time.”
48. Mandisa
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Former American Idol alum and Christian singer Mandisa has died. She was 47 years old.
Known for her powerhouse voice, Mandisa began her singing career at an early age as a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers while she attended Fisk University. After competing in season 5 of American Idol where she finished in the Top 10, Mandisa went on to release her first album, True Beauty, in 2007. As a Grammy winner and two-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner, some of her most notable music collaborations have included songs with Kirk Franklin, TobyMac and Matthew West.
At this time, Mandisa cause of death is unknown.
49. Rico Wade
Rapper Killer Mike spoke on the passing of Wade on social media, saying “I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all.
I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll.
This is a part of the journey. You told me “It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey.” The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey with U. Like U say tho Umma “Stay Down on it”……we all are.”
50. Faith Ringgold
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Award-winning author and artist Faith Ringgold died on April 12 at the age of 93. Her death was confirmed by her assistant Grace Matthews, who said Ringgold died at her home in Englewood, New Jersey .
Ringgold was a true pioneer for Black women in the art world. In 1971 she founded the ‘Where We At’ artists collective for Black women. She also turned to social activism, protesting American museums for the lack of representation of Black female artists.
51. O.J. Simpson
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O.J. Simpson passed away from cancer at the age of 76
52. DJ Mister Cee
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Born in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in the late 80’s Mister Cee came to fame as Big Daddy Kane’s DJ, who he met while in high school. As part of the Juice Crew, Cee was there on Kane’s seminal debut album Long Live The Kane, featuring on a song called “Mister Cee’s Master Plan” with his expert cutting and scratching throughout the album.
But perhaps even more notable is that Cee is credited with discovering late, great rapper the Notorious B.I.G. Cee was among the first to co-sign the then local rap phenom before appearing in The Source magazine’s Unsigned Hype section.
53. Vontae Davis
Former NFL star cornerback Vontae Davis has been found dead in a Florida home at the age of 35.
A death investigation is underway.
According to property records, the home is owned by Adaline Davis, who is Davis’ grandmother.
Police said that a male was found deceased at the home and that no foul play was involved.
54. Saxophonist Casey Benjamin
Casey Benjamin, the renowned saxophonist and founding member of the Robert Glasper Experiment, has passed away at the age of 46. There are currently no details regarding the cause of his death.
Casey Benjamin was born in 1978. He grew up in the vibrant neighborhood of South Jamaica in Queens, New York. Introduced to the saxophone at the age of eight, he honed his skills at the esteemed Harlem School of the Arts. Later, he continued his musical education at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art, the alma mater of notable artists such as Jennifer Aniston, Al Pacino, and Nicki Minaj.
55. Sarah-Ann Shaw, advocate-journalist who broke barriers at WBZ, dies at 90
Source:Getty
Sarah-Ann Shaw, a pioneering journalist who made history as the first Black woman TV report in Boston, died on March 21. She was 90.
CBS News, the parent company of its affiliate WBZ-TV network in Boston for which Shaw worked for more than three decades, confirmed her death in a news article.
56. Louis Gossett, Jr
Gossett, Jr became the first Black actor to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
57. Dorie Ladner
Source:Getty
Dorie Ann Ladner, a civil rights activist described by the New York Times as being “unsung” despite her significant accomplishments as an organizer, died on March 11. Ladner was 81 years old.
Ladner’s cause of death was confirmed by her younger sister, Joyce, who is also a civil rights icon, as being due to complications from Covid-19.
Dorie Ann Ladner is pictured to the right of her sister, Joyce.
58. Gylan Kain
Gylan Kain, a founding member of the famed spoken word group The Last Poets, died in February. The death was only made public in March after Kain’s family did not initially release details.
The New York Times reported that Kain died in the city of Lelystad in the Netherlands while at a nursing home. According to Kain’s son, Rufus Kain, his father passed away from heart disease.
59. Jessica Pettway
Source:Instagram
Long-time beauty and hair influencer Jessica Pettway. According to Jessica’s family, the social media starlet has died.
The devastating news comes after a surprising cervical cancer diagnosis and public battle with the disease. According to the YouTuber, after being misdiagnosed with fibroids, a doctor told her she had stage 3 cervical cancer. Jessica leaves behind a husband and two beautiful daughters.
“Being told I have cancer didn’t devastate me,” she said in an Instagram post at the time. “It was the reaction of those close to me. I knew that God is my healer and that no weapon formed against me, not even cancer, would prosper. I knew that I am more than a conqueror and that I will get through this.” influencer jessica pettway,jessica pettway
60. Sandra Crouch
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Sandra Crouch, Grammy-winning gospel artist, preacher, and the twin sister of late gospel great Andraé Crouch, has passed away at the age of 81.
As reported by the Journal of Gospel Music, Crouch transitioned on March 17, 2024. Her death was confirmed on the Facebook page of New Christ Memorial Church in California, where she served as Senior Pastor.
61. Anthony “Baby Gap” Walker
Source:Getty
Anthony “Baby Gap” Walker, a member of R&B/funk group The Gap Band, has passed away at the age of 60.
The musician and dancer died in an Ohio hospital on March 4 of complications from a recent neck surgery, according to his brother, Dr. Eric Walker. A memorial service will take place later this week in his hometown of Chicago.
62. Bo$$
Boss, stylized Bo$$, was the very first female rap act signed to Def Jam, with her debut album, Born Gangstaz, released in 1993. The lead single—the Def Jef produced “Deeper”—was a no. 1 hit on the rap charts. Her gruff style and hardcore delivery, along with beats provided by Erick Sermon, T-Ray, MC Serch, and the late Jam Master Jay, amongst others, quickly made her a fan favorite, but a proper follow-up album never materialized.
Although tabbed as a West Coast rapper, she was born in Detroit. Moving to Los Angeles after high school, she was discovered by DJ Quik, who put her on a track with AMG. Word is it got the attention of Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons, who inked her to the label’s fledgling Def Jam West imprint—but those in the know say Tracy Waples (an executive producer on the album) is who pushed for her signing.
63. Naomi Ruth Barber King
The sister-in-law of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was considered the matriarch of the family and was also a civil rights activist.
64. Janice Burgess
The creator of ‘The Backyardigans’ Children’s Show
65. Wrestler Michael Jones
Best known to Wrestling Fans as Virgil, the handler of the Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase, Vincent, & Soul Train Jones
66. Eric Mays
Source:Getty
The beloved and outspoken councilman was best known unwavering passion for politics and viral quotes and court moments (i.e. “Point of Order!”). His contributions, impact, and energy will be missed by many.
67. Robert Reid
Robert Reid, the former NBA star who played 10 seasons with the Houston Rockets and helped take the franchise to its first two NBA Finals, passed away on Monday following a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old.
The news was confirmed online on Tuesday by Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta.
“It is with great sorrow that my family and I received the news of the passing of Rockets legend, Robert Reid,” Fertitta wrote in a Twitter post. “I have had the privilege of knowing Robert for over 40 years, and his presence always brought joy and positivity to any room he entered. I will never forget watching the Rockets teams he was a part of in the ’80s compete in the Finals and the love he had for the game. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Diana, and all those who held him dear. Robert’s absence will be deeply felt, and he will be fondly remembered.”
68. Herbert Wigwe
Source:Getty
Herbert Wigwe, a major bank executive in Africa, died on Feb. 9 in a helicopter accident in California. He was just 58 years old.
The CEO of Access Bank, a top-ranked Nigerian-based financial institution, died in the crash along with his wife, son, the former group chairman of the Nigeria Stock Exchange and both pilots, CNN reported.
Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State in Nigeria, eulogized Wigwe in a social media post.
“The tragic incident is painful and heart-wrenching, and we pray for God’s abiding comfort in this profoundly difficult time,” Obaseki wrote. “Wigwe was a colossus in Nigeria’s financial sector, leading Access Bank to become an international brand that placed Nigeria on the global map of first-class financial services.”
69. Hydeia Broadbent
HIV/Aids Activist
70. Snoop Dogg’s Brother, Bing Worthington
71. Henry Fambrough
Source:Getty
Henry Fambrough, the last surviving original member of the iconic R&B group The Spinners, whose hits included “It’s a Shame,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” and “The Rubberband Man,” died Wednesday, a spokesperson for the group said. He was 85.
Fambrough died peacefully of natural causes in his northern Virginia home, spokesperson Tanisha Jackson said in a statement.
Fambrough died on Feb. 7
72. Richard Caster
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Richard Caster, a former HBCU football star who went on to play more than a dozen years as a professional football player in the NFL, died on Feb. 2 at 75.
73. Earl Cureton
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Earl Cureton, a basketball star who won two NBA championships, died on Feb. 4.
74. Michael Watford
Michael Watford, a church-trained club singer whose baritone boomed over the world’s dance floors for much of the early 1990s, and in the process helped birth a subgenre of club music known as gospel house, died on Jan. 26 in Newark. He was 64.
His cousin Lorie Watford said the cause of his death, in a hospital, was dementia.
Mr. Watford’s signature hit was “So Into You,” a jubilant ditty that paired his romantic, yearning vocal, inspired by Luther Vandross, with insistent strings, a lush piano line, and frequent handclaps and drum rolls. It hit No. 1 on the Billboard dance chart in April 1994, only to be replaced a week later by Barbara Tucker’s “Beautiful People” — on which Mr. Watford provided backing vocals.
75. Clyde Taylor
Clyde Taylor, a “leading figure in the field of Black studies in the 1970s” who “identified work by Black filmmakers as worthy of serious intellectual attention,” died on Jan. 24 at 92, the New York Times reported.
76. Hage Geingob
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Hage Geingob, the president of the African nation Namibia, died on Feb 5. He was 82.
77. Aston “Family Man” Barrett
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Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the former bassist for legendary reggae group Bob Marley & The Wailers, died on Feb. 3. He was 77.
78. Carl Weathers
Source:Getty
The Family said in a statement that Weathers “died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
79. Radio Host Joe Madison
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Madison was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. It went into remission following treatment. But he announced in December that the cancer had returned last year.
80. Hinton Battle
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Broadway star Hinton Battle died Tuesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to Hollywood Reporter.
The Tony-winning performer died at 67 after battling an undisclosed illness, which the family intends to keep private.
81. Dexter King
Source:Getty
Dexter Scott King. The youngest son of the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and equally missed Coretta Scott King, Dexter reportedly succumbed to an extensive battle with prostate cancer today (January 22). He was 62 years old.
83. Reggie Wells
via PEOPLE:
“On Jan. 9, the local publication revealed that Wells — who worked with Oprah Winfrey for 30 years, among other A-list stars such as Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Michelle Obama, Diahann Carroll and Halle Berry — died in Baltimore, his hometown, “after [battling] a long illness.” He was 76. Before becoming the makeup artist he was known to be, Wells graduated from Baltimore City College and Maryland Institute College of Art and became a city art teacher, according to the Banner.”
84. Jerry Wade aka “The Ultimate Loverman”
Source:n/a
Indianapolis disc jockey Jerry Wade, host of WTLC’s The Quiet Storm with The Loverman Jerry Wade for over 40 years, died at the age 61. his death was confirmed by family on Monday, January 8, 2024.
via WTLC:
“While on the air, Jerry was ‘Mr. Loverman,’ a charismatic, deep voiced, radio disc-jockey, gracing the airwaves Sunday through Thursday with ‘sexiest show in the city.’ But off-air, Jerry made everyone else feel like they were the super star. ‘The Loverman’ was the personality, but if there he had an alter-ego it was just ‘Jerry.’ An ego-less man who loved Indianapolis and wanted to see people smile. What most listeners didn’t know, was Jerry’s giving heart. Jerry was also the Executive Director of ‘Quality of Life,’ an Adult Day Center on the east side of Indianapolis. If that wasn’t enough Jerry was also a entrepreneur, as the owner of several salons known as ‘Hot Cuts’ and of course ‘Jerry Wade Live’ his mobile DJ service. And a real life ‘Hitch’ as through his date coach services he connected and reconnected countless relationship.”
85. Josephine Wright
The The 94-year-old Hilton Head Island woman gained viral appeal in her legal battle to keep hold of her family’s ancestral land. She passed away on January 7 “surrounded by family, loved ones, and prayers” as per CNN.
More via CNN:
“Wright remained committed to protecting her property, filing multiple counterclaims, accusing the developer of harassing her and trashing her property.
‘I want to be left alone,’ Wright told CNN in July. ‘I want to live on my property like I have always in peace and quiet.’
Media mogul Tyler Perry, who had been a fierce champion of Wright in her fight against developers, said he was ‘heartbroken’ to learn of her death in a tribute on Instagram.
‘Ms. Josephine Wright, even though we spoke by phone, I was so looking forward to meeting you in person next month to hand you the keys to your new house, but God had other plans,’ Perry said.”
86. Former NFL Player Ronald Powell
No cause of death reported at this time
