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Obituaries

Musical homegoing for Maggie Ingram

The Ingramettes delivered a powerful farewell to Mother Maggie Ingram at her homegoing service Thursday, July 2, at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico County.

Maggie Ingram, ‘Gospel Queen of Richmond,’ dies at 84

Evangelist Maggie Ingram — known as the “Gospel Queen of Richmond” — brought audiences to their feet in praise and worship at churches, festivals, auditoriums and other places for more than six decades.

Jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman, 85, dies

Ornette Coleman, a self-taught alto saxophone player who polarized the jazz world with his unconventional “free jazz” before coming to be regarded as an avant garde genius, died Thursday, June 11, 2015, in New York, according to his publicist. He …

Stephanie T. Rochon, 50, local TV news anchor

Stephanie Therese Rochon knew no strangers, whether she was anchoring the evening news at WTVR CBS6, worshipping at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Henrico County or out in the community. “She was just a very happy person,” her …

Lettie Coleman Madison, 105, developed social work department at VUU

For more than a century — 105 years to be exact — Lettie Coleman Madison used her vast reservoir of talents and experiences to help transform the lives of others. The daughter of a sharecropper and granddaughter of freed slaves, …

Former Globetrotter Marques Haynes dies at 89

Marques Haynes’ dribbling skills wowed fans in more than 100 countries. He was a showstopper, a player who helped make the Harlem Globetrotters beloved ambassadors of basketball around the world.

Franklin P. Hall, former Richmond delegate, succumbs at 76

He was considered the “happy warrior” of Richmond politics. Franklin Perkins “Frank” Hall, a silver-haired man with a ready smile and warm handshake, made friends with everyone he met — a trait that stood him in good stead during his …

Percy G. Dennis, 68, owner of Hull St. men’s clothing shop

Percy G. Dennis was known for his deep, abiding faith. He was a gentle soul, always eager to share his love for the Lord with others or to pass along a word of encouragement. Known to his family and friends …

Blues legend B.B. King succumbs at 89

B.B. King believed that anyone could play the blues, and that “as long as people have problems, the blues can never die.” But no one could play the blues like this guitar master, who died Thursday, May 14, 2015, in …

N. Purcelle Brown, 77, president of Chiles’ Funeral Home

When N. Purcelle Brown was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1960, he hoped to find work in air conditioning and refrigeration using the training he received in the military. He also had worked as a mechanic on B-52 …

R&B singer Ben E. King, 76

Soul and R&B singer Ben E. King, famous for his deep, velvety baritone voice and the classic hit song “Stand by Me,” died of natural causes in New Jersey at 76. He died Thursday, April 30, 2015, his publicist, Phil …

History-making golfers die days apart

Two of professional golf’s successful African-American golfers have died — Calvin Peete and Pete Brown. Mr. Peete, the most successful African-American professional golfer on the PGA Tour prior to Tiger Woods, died Wednesday, April 29, 2015, in Atlanta.

Dr. Wilburn M. Cameron Jr., 88, Richmond dentist

Dr. Wilburn Macio Cameron Jr. was known as a man of few words. But he would greet you with a warm smile. He was affectionately known to family and friends as “Little Wee,” but also was nicknamed “Wee” and “Doc.” …

Bessie Jones, 86, political organizer

For more than 40 years, candidates for public office called on Bessie Mae Peyton Jones to seek her support. A fixture in the Randolph community with a long record of community service, Mrs. Jones was regarded as a key figure …

R&B icon Percy Sledge dies at 74

Percy Sledge, the R&B legend whose song “When a Man Loves a Woman,” has become a “first-dance” anthem for newlyweds at wedding receptions, has died at his home in Baton Rouge, La. He was 74. William “Beau” Clark, coroner for …