Obituaries
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.
Vivian Ayers Allen, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet, scholar, and artist who was also the mother of Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, has died at 102. On Thursday, Debbie Allen shared the news with a poetic tribute that reflected her mother’s own creative spirit. A native of Chester, South Carolina, Vivian Ayers Allen was a trailblazer […] The post Vivian Ayers Allen, Pulitzer Prize-Nominated Poet & Mother Of Debbie Allen & Phylicia Rashad, Passes Away At 102 appeared first on Bossip.
Michael Madsen, Iconic Actor Known for ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘Kill Bill,’ Dies at 67 Michael Madsen, the celebrated actor known for his tough-guy roles in films like Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and Donnie Brasco, has passed away at the age of 67. Madsen was found unresponsive at his Malibu home on Thursday, July 3, 2025, and was pronounced […]
Dr. Bessie Nelson, beloved mother of gospel singers Jonathan and Jason Nelson, has passed away. The family asks for prayers and privacy during this time.
ATL rapper Young Scooter has died as he reportedly fled Atlanta Police in Southeast Atlanta on Mar. 28, his 39th birthday.
D'Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the legendary soul/R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died at 64 following a battle with bladder cancer.
Sha'Vi Lewis, a Clark Atlanta alum who competed in Bravo's fashion-competition series "Project Runway," passed away on Feb. 24.
Chris Jasper, who played a key role in the Isley Brothers' success in the 70s and 80s, passed away on Feb. 23 from cancer at age 73.
Gwen McCrae, who scored a #1 R&B hit in 1975 with "Rockin' Chair," has reportedly passed away at the age of 81.
Soul legend and politician Jerry Butler dies at 85.
Kultida Woods, mother of legendary golfer Tiger Woods, has died at the age of 80, according to Tiger himself. He announced the news via a statement on his X account. Tiger described his mother as “biggest fan” and “greatest supporter” in his heartfelt message about Kultida’s passing: “My Mom was a force of nature all […]
DJ Unk has reportedly passed away at 43 years old from a heart attack. As revealed by his wife Sherkita Long-Platt, who spoke to TMZ, he passed away in his sleep on January 24th after suffering cardiac arrest. She expressed concern over rumors about his cause of death—especially those suggesting drugs were involved—clarifying that he did […]
