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Obituaries

Gladys West, mathematician whose work enabled GPS, dies at 95

Gladys West, a pioneering mathematician whose work helped lay the foundation for the Global Positioning System, has died.

James Sweat, longtime Hampton and Norfolk State coach, dies

James Sweat, a Hall of Fame coach who led Hampton University and Norfolk State University to championships and helped define an era of women’s basketball in the CIAA, has died.

Rev. Sylvester “Tee” Turner, leader of Richmond’s Slave Trail, dies at 74

Rev. Sylvester “Tee” Turner, a prominent Richmond pastor who helped build many of the institutions acknowledging the city’s slave-trading past and worked toward racial reconciliation, died Sunday.

Edward Harris, founder of Vinegar Hill Magazine, dies at 69

Charlottesville community leader Edward Douglas Harris, who championed local journalism and family advocacy, died on Dec. 28, 2025, at age 69.

Thomas Watkins, founder of NYC’s first Black-owned daily newspaper, dies at 88

Thomas H. Watkins built a daily Black newspaper in New York City at a time when few believed it could survive and even fewer wanted it to succeed.

Richmond mourns Bill Martin, museum director, cultural advocate

William “Bill” Martin, a beloved Richmond museum director and advocate for the Black arts and cultural scene, died Sunday at 71 after being struck by a vehicle.

Longtime Trinity Baptist pastor A. Lincoln James Jr. dies at 80

For 45 years, the Rev. A. Lincoln James Jr. shepherded Trinity Baptist Church and shaped Richmond’s community life, leading a congregation that peaked at about 2,000 while expanding humanitarian programs across the region.

Evelyn Harris, acclaimed singer and educator, dies at 75

Evelyn Maria Harris, an acclaimed singer, composer, producer and devoted educator whose powerful voice and generous spirit enriched the world of vocal music for more than five decades, died Dec. 16. She was 75.

Lauretta Crawley remembered for compassion and innovation

Whether breaking barriers in health care, building family businesses or gathering loved ones around her table, Lauretta Crawley moved through life with uncommon skill and boundless heart, according to those who knew and loved her.

Oldest survivor of Tulsa Race Massacre dies at 111

Viola Ford Fletcher, who as one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in Oklahoma spent her later years seeking justice for the deadly attack by a white mob on the thriving Black community where she lived …

Jimmy Cliff, reggae giant and star of landmark film ‘The Harder They Come,’ dead at 81

Jimmy Cliff, the charismatic reggae pioneer and actor who preached joy, defiance and resilience in such classics as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get it If You Really Want” and “Vietnam” and starred in the landmark movie “The Harder …

Ed Coleman, 82, devoted life to teaching and community service

Edward Coleman’s journey from Pittsburgh to Richmond was marked by resilience and compassion — qualities that drew soldiers, karate students and family members to Scott’s Funeral Home weeks after the 82-year-old’s Sept. 10 death to celebrate a life dedicated to …

Chesterfield Supervisor Jim Holland dies at 73 after cancer battle

James M. “Jim” Holland, a five-term Dale District supervisor and one of Chesterfield County’s longest-serving public officials, died Tuesday at his home after a battle with cancer. He was 73.

John W. ‘Casey’ Jones Sr., beloved dentist and mentor, dies at 83

For generations of Richmond residents, John W. “Casey” Jones Sr. helped keep their teeth clean and smiles bright.

Ettrick native Rudi Johnson leaves lasting mark on football and community

Burudi Ali “Rudi” Johnson, a standout running back from Ettrick in Chesterfield County, built a lasting sports legacy both on and off the football field.

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