Trailblazing golfer Lee Elder, the first Black to play in the Masters Tournament, dies at 87
Golfer Lee Elder played through the scourge of racism. He broke down enormous barriers. He carved a path for Tiger Woods and others to follow.
Rev. William Sterling Cary, first Black president of National Council of Churches, dies at 94
The Rev. William Sterling Cary, a pioneering minister and civil rights activist who was the first Black person in prominent church leadership roles including president of the National Council of Churches, has died, according to family members. He was 94.
Retired teacher Vivian Hawkins dies at 80
Vivian Wilnette Johnson Hawkins was involved in the education of hundreds of Richmond schoolchildren for 35 years.
Former Delegate Flora D. Crittenden of Newport News succumbs at 97
Former Delegate Flora D. Crittenden, a member of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus who represented Newport News in the House of Delegates from 1993 to 2004, died Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. She was 97.
Gen. Colin Powell remembered as a model for future generations
Former Gen. Colin L. Powell, the trailblazing soldier-diplomat who rose from humble beginnings to become the first Black U.S. secretary of state, was remembered by family and friends last Friday as a principled man of humility and grace whose decorated …
Former Gov. A. Linwood Holton, a Republican whose actions helped break down racial barriers in the state, succumbs at 98
When a federal court in 1970 ordered Richmond students to be bused to integrate public schools, new Virginia Gov. A. Linwood “Lin” Holton Jr. showed his sup- port by enrolling his four children and having them attend majority- Black schools.
Rev. Herbert R. Plummer Sr., retired pastor of Swansboro Baptist Church, dies at 86
The Rev. Herbert Ralph Plummer Sr., who led Swansboro Baptist Church in South Side for 47 years, has died.
Memorial service set for wife of former Councilman Hilbert Nov. 3
A memorial service for Sheila Kavanagh Mandt, the late wife of former Richmond City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, will take place 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 815 E. Grace St., Mr. Hilbert has announced.
Retired pediatrician Dr. Cynthia Charity succumbs at 73
Dr. Cynthia Anne McClennon Charity sought to keep a generation of Richmond children healthy.
Jazz saxophonist Carlton Ayles dies at 77
Richmond jazz icon Carlton Andrew Ayles has died.
David N. Smith, former banking executive and state official, dies at 66
David Nathaniel Smith wanted to be a journal- ist but found his road to success in commercial sales and banking.
Singer Sarah Dash, co-founder of Labelle, dies at 76
Singer Sarah Dash, who co-founded the all-female group Labelle—best known for the rau- cous 1974 hit “Lady Marmalade”—has died. She was 76.
Melvin Van Peebles, ‘godfather’ of modern Black cinema, dies at 89
Melvin Van Peebles, the groundbreaking filmmaker, playwright and musician whose work ushered in the “blaxploitation” wave of the 1970s and influenced filmmakers long after, has died. He was 89.
Va native, NFL Pro-Bowler Roger Brown dies at 84
Roger Brown was a big man with talent and ambition to match.
Funeral service Sept. 21 for Dr. Clifton Whitaker Jr., pastor emeritus of Grayland Baptist Church
Dr. Clifton Whitaker Jr. set out to be a career Richmond police officer, but injury after 17 years on the force opened the door to a new career in ministry.
