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Category: Obituaries

Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

BELOVED PASTOR AND COMMUNITY LEADER, DR. FREDDIE L. THOMAS PASSES AT THE AGE OF 90

Hundreds attended a two-day service honoring the life, legacy, and service of beloved pastor and community leader, Dr. Freddie Louis Thomas Sr. The memorial service and public viewing was held Friday, July 5, 2024, at Jerusalem Mission Community Church of God In Christ and concluded with funeral services on Saturday, July 6, at Saint Peter Restoration Community Christian Ministries.

Stefi Mar July 10, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Baseball Legend Willie Mays Dies at 93

Willie Mays, the iconic Hall of Famer often hailed as the greatest player in baseball history, has died at 93. The news broke during a Mets and Rangers game in Arlington, evoking emotional tributes from the baseball community.

Stefi Mar June 25, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Jerry West passes at 86: The Legacy of an NBA Icon

Jerry West, an enduring symbol of basketball excellence and the inspiration behind the NBA’s iconic logo, has passed away at the age of 85. His death marks the end of an era for a player and executive whose influence on the game transcended generations.

Stefi Mar June 12, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Marian Robinson, the Heart of the Obama Family, Remembered Fondly at 86

Marian Robinson, mother to former First Lady Michelle Obama, died on Friday, May 31, at 86. Her loved ones said she leaves behind a void in the hearts of many. As a steadfast figure in the Obama White House, Robinson’s presence extended far beyond familial ties, touching the lives of all who knew her.

Stefi Mar June 4, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Ramona Edelin, Influential Activist and Education Advocate, Dies at 78

 Once upon a time, Black Americans were simply known as colored people, or Negroes. That is until Ramona Edelin came along. The activist, renowned for her pivotal roles in advancing civil rights, education reform, and community empowerment, died at her D.C. residence last month at the age of 78. Her death, finally confirmed this week by Barnaby Towns, a communications strategist who collaborated with Dr. Edelin, was attributed to cancer.

Stefi Mar April 2, 2024
African Americans
Stefi Mar

Beloved Actor and Activist Louis Gossett Jr. Dies at 87

Louis Gossett Jr., the groundbreaking actor whose career spanned over five decades and who became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor for his memorable role in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” has died.

Stefi Mar April 2, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Broadway to Pay Tribute to the Late Hinton Battle with Dimmed Lights Ceremony

The Broadway community will honor the late Hinton Battle, a three-time Tony Award-winning actor celebrated as one of Broadway’s most versatile and groundbreaking acting, dance, and song figures. Battle died on January 30, 2024, at 67, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced the theater world.

Stefi Mar March 5, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Renowned Philosopher and Black Power Trailblazer Charles V. Hamilton, Dies at 94

Austin Cooper recalled the first time he met Professor Charles V. Hamilton, a philosophical luminary and key architect of the Black Power movement. Cooper, who earned a Master of Public Administration from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs under Hamilton’s tutelage, said the professor wasn’t simply an academic advisor. To Cooper and others, he was a mentor and friend. Mostly, though, Hamilton was “Doc.”

Stefi Mar February 27, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Flint Mourns the Loss of Longtime City Council Member Eric Mays

 Eric Mays, a dedicated city council member renowned for his activism during the infamous Flint, Michigan, water crisis and a history of disruptive behavior at public meetings, died on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 65. City officials made the announcement, but they did not disclose the cause of the death.

Stefi Mar February 27, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

IN MEMORIAM: Tributes Pour in For Host, Activist Joe Madison

In a statement, Madison’s family invited fans and friends to send condolences. “Joe dedicated his life to fighting for all those who are undervalued, underestimated, and marginalized. On air he often posed the question, ‘What are you going to do about it?’. Although he is no longer with us, we hope you will join us in answering that call by continuing to be proactive in the fight against injustice…”

Stefi Mar February 6, 2024
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Richard Roundtree, Trailblazing “Shaft” Actor, Dies at 81

Richard Roundtree, the iconic actor renowned for portraying the suave private detective in the groundbreaking “Shaft” film series, has died at 81. His longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, confirmed that Roundtree succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The legendary actor, who also battled and triumphed over breast cancer in 1993, underwent a double mastectomy.

Stefi Mar October 31, 2023
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Beloved Coach Remembered for Grit and Inspiration

Georgetown University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics officials said they are mourning the death of Women’s Basketball Head Coach Tasha Butts following a courageous two-year battle with breast cancer. Butts, an accomplished player, nationally recognized assistant coach, and first-year head coach, was 41.

Stefi Mar October 24, 2023
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Van Ellis, 102-Year-Old Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor, Dies

A statement released by the family stated, “Mr. Hughes Van Ellis, 102, passed Mon. Oct. 9th at 11:30 am in Denver, Colorado. A loving family man, he was known as “Uncle Redd.” He was among the three last known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most horrific acts of racist terrorism on American soil. A WWII war veteran, Mr. Ellis, bravely served America, even as he spent a lifetime awaiting atonement related to the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Stefi Mar October 17, 2023